College has changed me in so many ways that you would not imagine.
At first, I was nervous about how my college experience would be. People knew my name throughout high school, but I was never the type of person to socialize with others. However, as soon as I moved in, that changed for me. Instead of losing anything, I gained so much from college living.
One of the things I have gained from college is independence. Before college, every time I decided something, my parents were always with me. I always had to ask if it was the right decision for me to make. I did not know how to decide things for myself.
Then, my parents dropped me off at my dorm, drove off and I was left alone to decide what I should do next. Everything that I did from then on was something I decided to do by myself. Whether it was me starting my first job, joining clubs, or doing service, I made those choices by myself because I believed they would benefit me.
The next thing that I gained from college is friendships. Although I still talk to some of my friends from high school, there is something about college friendships that is so unique. With all the students away from home, everyone sees the same people daily. They do not have to go out of their way to hang out with one another and they always have something to do.
At first, I thought I was going to be alone my first semester here in college, but I met one person at my orientation, and we have talked ever since. The longer I have been here, the more friends I have obtained. Even after students graduate from college, they will still have those lasting memories of their friends because it becomes to a point, they become your family.
The final thing I have gained is the opportunity to have an education. I am the first one in my family to go to college so to get the chance to go to a university is a privilege that I will take advantage of. Not only can I choose classes that will benefit me and count towards my major, but I am also putting in the challenging work to be prepared for the career I plan to go into. Even though money is nice, I want to find a job that not only pays well, but it makes me feel passionate about the work I am going to do.
College can be challenging, and it is okay. However, f you do decide to try it, you will not regret it. If you are willing to put the work in, it will all be worth it in the end.