I turned 20 a few weeks ago and of course, I thought this would be a great time to think about all of the things that I am going to in my next 20 years in no true particular order.
What do you want to do by the time you're 40?
Transitioning from high school to college can be a stressful experience, especially if you're like me and hate change. Over the past two years I've realized there's many things I couldn't get away with in High School that are typically applauded in college.
In high school, you can sometimes get away with eating snacks in class. In college? Professors don't care what you eat. Soda in your 8 AM? Acceptable. Late night snack in the library? No second thoughts. It doesn't matter where you are, food is always acceptable.
Waking up at 7:57 for an 8:00 AM class and realizing it's the one day of the year you shouldn't miss... Yeah, sprinting to the other side of campus is acceptable. Suddenly I realize how my days at the gym have paid off. In high school? You get in trouble for being late, but you also get written up for running in the hall. No winning.
In high school, I could go from school to sports practice to drama rehearsal. Don't get me wrong, I took a few naps before practice in the hallway... But there was always at least one person who would have a comment to make about it. In college? You can sleep anywhere without any judgement, usually without so much as a double take. It's kind of expected in a college environment.
Is skipping classes the brightest decision? Probably not... But you really don't miss anything and most professors don't even take attendance anyway. High school on the other hand... I once got written up for skipping a class when I was dismissed early for a funeral. The freedom on this end makes college life almost bearable.
In high school, you were raising hands and taking turns. In college, on the other hand, if you raise your hand, you don't get a chance to talk half of the time.
Trying to get through a day, in high school, in a dress is a nightmare. Between friends, teachers, and people you've never even seen before, the "Why are you dressed up?" question tends to get a little infuriating. In college, wearing a dress is not that out of the ordinary. Instead of the inquisitive responses, compliments are actually given out.
Even better than dresses being socially acceptable... Crocs. Do I still get the occasional joke made about my Crocs? Yeah, but nothing compared to wearing them in high school. They're definitely making a comeback and the comfort of my feet are eternally grateful.
Getting through the day on 4 hours of sleep becomes the norm, and that's on a good day. In high school, I was once told that I looked like I had been hit by a truck. In college though, it's not out of the ordinary to look that way.
I honestly don't know how college student use pen and paper for taking notes. Professors change slides before I can get the first bullet point down. The freedom of technology in the classroom honestly saves my GPA.
If you're seen crying in high school, you may as well just take a video to send out - everybody finds out. Crying on campus, on the other hand, totally acceptable. Often encouraged. It doesn't matter why or where, it's always okay to cry in college.
I get it, my face is less than welcoming and now that we’re friends you think it’s cool to tell me that when you first met me, you thought I was the wicked witch of the west. Why can’t you just lie and tell me that when you first met me you thought I was hilariously funny and devilishly good looking?
No, I’m not mad at you. This is just my face.
Your body may be saying, “Justin Bieber concert,” but your face will always say, “Taking an economics midterm.”
Because she makes your b*tch face look like a straight up smiley face.
Nobody on campus is going to stop you to ask if you’ve voted, are registered to vote, would like to sign a petition or if you want to join the dance club. Nobody.
Sitting in front of a mirror and practicing your most natural smile can be a daunting task.
(Judgmental is code for b*tch.)
You may be very interested in what the girl behind you just said in section, but by staring at her, you just gave her mad anxiety.
You’re 20 and your face is still as sour as can be. Sorry Mom and Dad.
Your face reads, “I have no mercy.” Nobody wants you on jury duty.
If the professor does not have a 2.0 or less on Rate My Professor for level of difficulty, I don't want them.
WWHHHYYY? I have never understood this rule my whole four years. If they don't want to come you cannot make them.
Once becomes twice, twice becomes 10 times, and then you forget that you even had the class.
Here is to doing the assignment right before turning it in.
One semester down, just one more to go.
I can do my Biochem homework in my Immunology class and my Immunology homework in my Biochem class. IT IS FOOL PROOF.
It is just two more months.
Oh boy, this is the period of rejection letters from grad schools, internships and even jobs!
How long will it take for me to climb the ladder of a local fast food joint?
I know I binge watched every season of Master Chief Junior, I just couldn't say no to their little faces!
I thought I took easy professors! I didn't want to be stressed out.
Look ma, I made it!
The only thing that could stop me in my path.
I did it! I survived four long years of blood, sweat, tears and lots and lots of money. I can finally enter the adult world!
All in all, graduating from college is a huge accomplishment. It is a bumpy road, but if it is what you really want, it will all be worth it in the end. Do not give up on your dreams because of one rejection letter or a single hard class. Just keep going and do not be too hard on yourself.
Or "Can I drop out of college yet?" both are usually a daily occurrence.
I swear every time I open up Facebook another person is engaged, married, or pregnant.
Soon, but not soon enough.
Usually followed by responses like "Ohh what did you say?"
Throw a couple of memes in there too.
Sometimes this even includes a picture of said dog and makes our hearts melt.
Ahh high school memories, man does time fly.
I miss you too.
See also: 13 Things All College Students Should Always Have On Them
$0.33 in your bank account but Chipotle sounds way too good to pass up right now.
Bad day? Take a nap. Good day? Celebrate with a nap. Bad grade on a test? The answer is obviously to nap.
See also:The 16 Virginia Colleges As Characters From 'The Office'
Well, yes I have to be up at 8 but it would obviously be sinful to go to bed without finding out who the killer is.
Sometimes class is really the last place you want to be, so what if you skip it once to head down to the beach? One day can't do too much harm...personal days are a necessity.
You're slammed all week, so if you have a potential night to do absolutely nothing, that is definitely worth taking. Sure we'll regret it tomorrow, but for the night you're carefree.
We've all done it, and most likely felt completely terrible in the morning, but at least our Snapchat Story from the night before is a perfect replica of the previous night's activities.
So you're telling me it is frowned upon to splurge online and spend $74 on clothes in one sitting?
It seemed like a good and manageable idea at the time, but little did we know we would stay up literally all night - falling in and out of sleep - writing it.
Such a perfect and easy meal. Sure, sometimes we'll get completely tired of it, but at least it's always there for us as a go-to when we need it.
It's 2 am but for some reason you just really can't shake the thought of some late-night fast food. So naturally, you go out and get it, without much of a second thought.
Because one definitely wasn't enough and you still have three classes ahead of you.
You'll probably regret doing most of them in the morning (or not), but at least it was all seemingly worth it at the time. Those kind of memories are priceless.
Listen, it's really not as hard as it sounds. There's so many addicting shows out there. And, are you really in college if you haven't done this before?
