1. College is Worth It
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&...2. College Life is Weird
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There are no better words to describe the life of a typical college student and no two experiences are the same, but I think every student can agree- college life is weird. There are people walking the campus in flashy suits and pretty dresses and others that look like they haven't seen a mirror in a week, or a shower nonetheless. There are the people that only talk about test scores and study groups and those that talk about the blunt they're going to puff on later- whatever takes the edge off I guess. I have seen people arguing 'all college students are going to Hell,' on the same corner people have preached that' Jesus loves us all.' I will say, the most friendly creatures on campus are usually the squirrels. Really nothing can perfectly prepare you for what you will face on a college campus, except maybe Manhattan in the middle of December when the city is crawling with all walks of life. Some completely lost and trying to find their way, and others who know exactly what they're doing and where they're going. I personally would like to consider myself as one of those inbetweeners; not lost, but not exactly found yet either.
3. High School Did NOT Prepare You
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Sorry to break it to you but, high school does a terrible job of trying to prepare you for college and the real world. They don't tell you how to ration out food and money so you don't end up hungry halfway through the week- college diets are way more than ramen noodles and frozen pizzas. They don't tell you, you'll have issues with your roommate, and your neighbors are so loud you're going to need ear plugs. They certainly don't tell you to watch your drink because the guy who you lent your math notes to, just might drug it when you're not looking. Your favorite teachers probably didn't tell you professors don't care about a computer malfunction or a doctor's note as an excuse. If an assignment is late, even by a minute- YOU GET A BIG, FAT, GRADE WRECKING ZERO. No one holds your hand in college- except maybe a friend if you decide to go get your first tattoo. If you get sick, your mom is not going to bring you medicine and take your temperature. You'll be too busy to go buy medication and you will forget to even take care of yourself, and you might even cry- but you'll live. You might even get a job and although that check seems pretty and hefty, more than likely it will all go to necessities like food, bills, and gas. The beauty in lack of preparation is finding your way with everyone else that is lost. That's basically how college friends are made."Your life is a mess? Mine is too, let's be friends!"
4. If You're Hesitant, Wait it Out!
Whether you are about to go to college or you're already here and don't know if you want to stay, my best advice is to give it a chance and wait it out. College is scary, and sometimes you're forced to figure out life on your own, but in the long run, sacrificing a few years of late night study sessions and early morning classes pays off- literally. As young adults we are typically used to comfort. While everyone's home situation is unique, one thing everyone can agree on is that it is comfortable. Breaking out of one's comfort zone takes a lot of courage and bravery. Going out into a world where you can either sink or swim is a lot to handle, but at one point we all have to. College might be beating you down right now, but this time next year you could be thriving and thanking yourself you didn't leave. Work smarter now or work harder later- your choice.