Okay, so most of us are probably not as much of a English nerd as me, but this does not mean that we all can’t appreciate that books are full of wisdom. Books remind us that, no matter how alone we may feel, we always have a shelf-full of friends who can offer advice and lessons from past experiences. My friend, F. Scott Fitzgerald, supports me, saying, “That is the part of the beauty of literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” Here are some quotes from famous literary writers that speak directly to us as college women:
1. “I’m quite illiterate, but I read a lot.”― J. D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
Whenever I read some ridiculously complex philosophy book, or economics article, or math equation, I am convinced that I simply cannot read. Despite my inability to comprehend words, professors think it’s okay to continually pile on readings on top of readings. Will it ever end? Doesn’t look like it, but at least we are all in this together.
2. “One cannot have too large a party.” ― Jane Austen, Emma
College is the only time in your life when you can party like a fool and no one will tell you off for it. Throw a huge party, meet someone new, make some memories. YOLO, am I right? (I’m right.)
3. “Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself…”” ― C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves
Friendships made in college are the friendships that will last the rest of your life. You and your girlfriends become sisters, living on top of each other and spending every second together. Instead of being friends merely due to convenience, you get to choose your college friends, and they choose you. These often are those who share the same interests as you—no matter how unusual or offbeat those interests may be.
4. “Boys and girls in America have such a sad time together; sophistication demands that they submit to sex immediately without proper preliminary talk. Not courting talk — real straight talk about souls, for life is holy and every moment is precious.” ― Jack Kerouac, On the Road
I have always thought that it was the present-day college “hook up culture” that elevates a quick submission to sex and throws aside attaining romantic and intellectual connection. Yet, here is a writer of an earlier time who too recognizes that young Americans sadly do not have the ability to speak to each other about what really matters. (It’s apparently been a problem for a while now.) He laments this cultural norm characteristic of his generation—and I do too. So, ladies, remember that sex is not as important as communication and respect. Don’t rob yourself of a romance based on truth, because you deserve as much.
5. “Home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread through shadows to the edge of night, until the stars are all alight.” ― J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Leaving home for college can be hard and feeling homesick is inevitable, but it is vital that we always look forward. Instead of focusing on the distressing changes of college, gaze ahead to all the amazing adventures and experiences that await you at Bates and beyond.
6. “She refused to be bored chiefly because she wasn’t boring” – Zelda Fitzgerald, The Collected Writings
I think one of the most important things a young woman must learn is how to make her own adventures. If you have a free afternoon, think of something fun to do. If you feel like watching Netflix, watch Netflix. If you feel like being social, go sit in Commons and talk to someone new. If you feel like doing something on your own, go walk up Mount David and watch the sunset. Never say, “I’m bored.” Being bored is a concept made up in your head.
7. “My advice is, never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.” ― Charles Dickens, David Copperfield
Do what you must do first, and then waste some time—this more careless time will be enjoyed more. There is no worse feeling than cramming three days of work into three hours. Learn to avoid procrastination now, because it is a skill that you can carry through your entire life.
8. “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” ―J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
As long as you’re not doing anything harmful to others, it’s okay to be mischievous in college. You tend to have the most fun when you get involved in shenanigans. Channel your inner Fred and George Weasley and make sure you play and laugh—a lot.
9. “It may be normal, darling; but I’d rather be natural.” ― Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Do your own thing! Take different classes, join an unusual club, or try out a new style. College is an amazing time to discover more about you. You can never find yourself by following social norms, so do what feels natural. Not only will others appreciate it, but you also will find that you love yourself even more.
10. “And so it goes…” ― Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five
I’ll leave with you this quote. In my college experience I’ve learned to let troublesome things roll off of me to stay positive. It is what it is. Life goes on and, remember, we have our entire lives in front of us. Enjoy “the best four years of your life” and then move forward and never look back.