As my first day of college has somehow grown and evolved into a full blown four years, I have come to the realization that there are A LOT of things I should have learned about college when I came in -- not just now, when I'm a little over a year from leaving. So I have decided to bless the Georgia Southern populace with an un-certified, unofficial, and completely accurate list of vital life facts that SOAR missed the boat on.

1. The nooks and crannies of the library serve the dual purpose of effective study and nap spots.

2. The ducks and geese will chase you if they sense weakness... or food.

3. Sunrise over Lake Ruby and Lake Wells from the fourth floor of the library is a rite of passage, and one of the most beautiful sights for a sleep deprived Eagle to behold.

4. You can still get ticketed after 4 pm, so don't park in President Keel's spot when you're late-nighting in the library.

5. Don't get used to anything staying where it was when you got here. Southern changes store locations and building purposes more frequently than most people change hair styles.

6. If you matriculated after 2012, you missed out on real meal plans. 

7. Getting lost the first day of classes, or anytime, is a good way to make friends.

8. You will have professors that will literally make you want to scream, "How can you be this dumb? You have a doctorate!"

9. You will also have professors that you'll be fairly certain are your academic soul mates.

10. Late afternoon/night in-your-major classes are the best, because they are taught by people working in the field. I've had life changing moments in Carroll in the late afternoon. This may just apply to Justice Studies classes though. 

11. SDRC volunteer note takers get to register for classes before everyone else, including Honors students and athletes.

12. Your academic adviser is a solid resource, but this is still your education and you shouldn't feel pressured to take something JUST because your adviser says you should. Trust your gut.

13. College is a clean slate, a fresh start. Do what you want to do. Be who you want to be. 

14. You can appeal a grade and get it raised if it's for a valid reason. No lie, it's a real thing. 

15. The Learning Commons on the second floor of the library has some pretty cool stuff to offer. 

16. Most importantly, remember that this is college and no one cares about petty, high school level drama, so please leave it at the house.  

Gosh, that makes me feel so old! Passing on my copious and hard earned wisdom to the next generation and all. Now I'm going to continue my crash-and-burn all-nighter in Club Hendy until I reach a very familiar point of delirium. If you see me around campus, I'll most likely be running on hopes, dreams, unicorns, and a ridiculous amount of Starbucks. So, until next time ladies and gents, have fun and make good choices.