Important College Reminders
College is not always a walk in the park, and the media does not help in accurately portraying what life if like away from your parents, hometown, and everything that was once familiar. As we grow up, we realize that life is increasingly less and less what we thought it was going to be. High school was a mess of puberty and emotions that brought about drama and broken friendships that we look back on today, knowing it could have all been avoided. We are so much wiser compared to our teen years. As we enter into early adulthood, however, there are still some things everyone should remember.
- College is not just a giant party.
We have all seen the movies that portray college life as just one giant party. Although having the freedom to have fun responsibly is something that all college students have the right and ability to do; there is so much more to college life than waking up every morning with a headache.
- School comes first.
Why did you come to college? The first thing that should come to everyone’s mind: to get an education! There will always be another party, pizza night, or basketball game, but there is only so much time to study for that exam or write that paper. Life will not pass you by if you decide to spend the night in the library. It only means that you are further ahead in this whirlwind called life.
- Get a lot of sleep.
College is not meant to be easy. If it were, everyone would be in school, bettering him or herself with a higher education. There is no sense in pulling an all-nighter, when it is proven you will do better on a test if you get a good night’s sleep. If you stop procrastinating and do things in advance, there is always time to sleep. Cherish it.
- You are here for a reason.
Colleges get thousands upon thousands of applications every year, and have to turn down large amounts of people who may have fit every qualification. There is a reason you picked your school, and a reason they picked you as well.You are meant to be here, and it is time to make the most out of the education you have earned.
- Your mental health is much more important than a grade.
Everyone struggles at some point in college. There is so much to do, and everyone is under a time crunch, it is okay to not be 100% your best self. It is okay to cry. It is okay to seek help. Your professors are people, too. They understand more than most the stresses of college and what it can do their students. Communicating with advisors, counselors, professors, and ever your parents is best when struggling mentally. Your education is important, but not when the cost is your mental help. Seeking assistance is the first step.
College is a crazy rollercoaster of new friendships, great professors, homesickness, doubts, and fears. There will be people that will hurt you, and others that will always be there with pizza, ice cream, and your favorite movie. You will have your heart broken, and you will break others hearts. You will grow and learn and change. And in the end, you will find out who you are.