Chatty Madie: College 101
With just under three months until my college graduation (*cringe*) I
thought I would share some of what I have learned for anyone feeling uneasy about their college experience. Whether next semester is your first away from home or you're graduating and want to compare notes, this one's for you!
Friends
It's okay to get new friends and its okay to fall away from old ones. Friendships can come and go just like the seasons. Don't be surprised if your best friend since kindergarten becomes a stranger-- it's more common than you'd think. And, it's important to be open to gaining new friends too! New friends means new conversations, new ways to view the world and new connections that may end up being life-long.
Boys
Be smart but have fun. Don't, under any circumstances, take an open drink (including a solo cup of whatever that you did not pour yourself) from anyone-- especially someone of the opposite sex. Just because this guy lives on your floor and is always nice to you does not mean he won't try to slip you something in your drink. Have fun, talk to who you want but be smart about it. If something doesn't feel right-- run.
Resources
Library writing centers will have English and Journalism majors (usually grad students) there to help you write and edit your papers. Take advantage of it!
Math and science tutoring is a gift from God. Seriously, the only way I passed my math and sciences was by asking for help. It is never shameful to ask for help so take advantage of it while you can.
Office hours are a student's best friend (or they should be). This is precious time that you can sit down one-on-one with professors and teaching assistants to ask for help. He or she will be able to get to know your strengths and weaknesses and personalize their teaching methods to you in that moment. Plus, the more you go to office hours the more you show dedication which means you have a greater chance of not only passing the class but getting a letter of reference for your future resumé.
Jobs
If you can get a job on campus do it. There is zero shame in serving food in the dining halls, working at the library or giving tours around campus.
Yeah, that money you saved over the summer? Well, it will disappear like that as soon as you get to school. Why is that, you may ask? Food, beer and Walmart. Honestly, you will look at your account one day and think oh crap, where did my money go?
Campus jobs are hot commodities so get one as soon as you can and start saving your money. Those four years are going to fly so you'll want to have something saved for when you graduate.
Diet & exercise
The "Freshman 15" is absolutely real-- don't listen to anyone who says otherwise. It is so important, especially if you are drinking every weekend, to eat as much of a healthy diet as possible and get your exercise in or else you will wake up one morning and realize that you have a beer belly coming in hot. Not only does exercise help you physically but mentally too. The better you treat your body the more energy and focus you will have and the better student you will be because of it.
Do what you want & don't what you don't
If you don't want to drink then don't drink. If you want to kiss a boy, who likes you back, then kiss him. If you want to skip class to watch Netflix all day then that's up to you (however, I don't advise it). Make this college experience the one you want.
Transferring
It's okay to transfer. It's important that you are comfortable at the school you're attending. If you hate the professors, can't stomach the food and don't feel safe walking home at night then why are you wasting your money on that school? I transferred twice and I am so glad that I did (I also changed my major five times)! And, hey guess what, I am still graduating on time; it can be done.
High school means nothing
Prom queen? Who cares. Captain of the soccer team? Big whoop. Oh wow, you got a perfect ACT score? That's irrelevant as soon as you step onto campus. College is a time to reinvent yourself and really discover who you are. Don't let stupid high school stereotypes get in the way of finding yourself because, let me tell you, literally no one cares who you were in high school when you get to college. No one.
Ah, that felt nice to get off of my chest. I hope that these eight insights helped you in whatever reason you had for reading this post. And, just for the record, you do not need to go to college to be successful. My 19 year old brother went straight to working in a kitchen after high school graduation and now has first-hand French training and works in a Michelin Star restaurant in downtown Chicago; that's pretty amazing.
So, whether you're thinking about college, you're in college or you're one foot out the door like me, enjoy your time and make sure you soak up as much knowledge as you can; because once it's over, it's time to adult (*cringe*).