As I see many people in caps and gowns right now I can't help but reflect on what college taught me. And no it wasn't worth the $100,000 plus that went towards your college education
1. It's all about who you know.
- But seriously, if you want your classes changed after the drop date, you want a fresh pan out of the potatoes, you need an extra shot in your coffee, or you need to land that interview- it's all about who you know. And that's not only the case in college, but also very much in the real world. You learn to build bridges, not burn them.
2. Parking is precious and a science - Do NOT offer to drive. Parking is scarce in college life whether you go to a small private college or a large public university. It never ends- college, gyms, restaurants, and even on your home street after college. You have to catch on to the science of when there will be available spots or you'll be that person with a 2 mile hike back to their dorm or house.
3. Budgeting - Maybe not immediately, since most college students end up crawling back home asking for some money but soon enough it is realized you have to set enough money aside, or only go to chipotle twice a week so that you can get the XL bottle of Moscato or that case of Nati Light for Saturday night.
4. Swipes are a gift from God
- Now that I'm outside of the college realm I now understand why my dad was so frustrated when I had over 70 leftover swipes left one year. Holy cow! Food is expensive, so screw it. Gain the freshmen 15, you're gonna wish you had those swipes at the age of 25 (when you literally run down the hall to any free food in the break room). And you have a free gym (that's not the case in the "real world") So eat and work your butt off!
5. How much your parents love you and how much you love them
- Between missing home cooked food, your laundry getting thrown in, or just having your parents there physically you realize how much you love them and miss them. I know I wasn't the only one that cried while pulling out of my parents' driveway to head back to school (on multiple occasions). And at the same time you realize how much they love you- between random visits, going to games both home and away, care packages, or just a check-in email.
6. Sleep is precious - You'll learn quickly sleep is oh-so precious and that you need to live with people you are sleep compatible with. If you can't stand your roommates' snoring, their morning exercises, or that they hit snooze 15 times every morning while you sleep.. you might become a nap addict. You will do dumb things.. like take an 11 minute nap before class, or set your alarm 7 minutes later because you're not going to get coffee. Get as much sleep as you can, because the real world is not full of ample sleep or naps.
7. Netflix and Hulu are the real MVPs
- We all learned how to study while watching or scarf down Chinese while watching, or even how to squeeze in an episode perfectly between classes. And of course, we all learned at college the true beauty of binge watching. If it wasn't for sophomore year I'm not sure I ever would've been able to watch every single episode of Law and Order SVU.
8. The bookstore is the biggest money maker
- Get your paraphernalia, alumni gear, and books somewhere else because those bookstores are robbin' ya blind! You learn quickly that used books or sharing a book is the way to go. And if you went to a large college then local stores probably sell spirit wear for much cheaper. As if tuition wasn't enough, just give the school an arm, leg, and an ear.
9. There will always be people that don't try, but succeed
- As people that put effort into the things we do, there are always those that didn't study, cheated, didn't attend meetings, doesn't eat right, isn't kind, etc but they succeed. I wish that ended in college, but unfortunately you learn that it's not the case; things are still handed to people for whatever reason.
10. You learn how to improvise
- Whether you're missing an ingredient, no milk, lost your book, car won't start, or you have to come up with an outfit for a themed party- college will bring out the creative side in you that embraces improv. And thank God!
And.. lastly, we learn who our friends are. Who will come get us after we've been ditched at the bar... Who is always up for a Graeter's or Orange Leaf run... Who will help you cram for your big final, will go on shopping adventures whether G rated or not, will go for a run so you can indulge friday night, who will go to breakfast with you still in your pajamas, who will have another drink with you, who will listen to you whine about your family, and who will celebrate with you when you land the job..
Yeah, that could all be one friend, could be your best friends, or could be describing everyone you knew in college. But either way.. we learned who these people are and college would not be the same without them.
leave the "eh" behind
hugs,
abi
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