College is the time and place for you to discover yourself and become whoever you want to be. For many girls, the idea of being an independent woman has been on their minds ever since they were adolescents who couldn’t wait to enter adulthood. Good news: you’re in college now, a time like no other for you to become that woman! For the most part, the essential tools that make you a strong and independent woman in the 21st century will also prepare you for real life. So buckle up and let’s get going!
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1. Take responsibility
College is when it starts to get real. At one time or another, you’re going to be overwhelmed by how many things you are responsible for and how many things you need to work on; mistakes are inevitable. That’s okay! Take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is where you learn to be strong. Embrace your flaws as opportunities to understand yourself better and grow. You’ll realize that taking responsibility for your actions isn’t as scary as it sounds; it’ll even make you feel more like an adult.
2. Balance your work, relationships and social life
While you could allow yourself to be a mess in high school because you could never find the right balance, college is a time to get yourself together. The answer is easy: prioritize! Evaluate what is important to you, make a list, and distribute your time accordingly. Unfortunately, the question of priorities will nag you forever; from time to time you will have to re-evaluate and make a new list.
3. Be organized
Being organized can help you feel less overwhelmed by the myriad activities of college life. If you’re not naturally a person who likes to organize, do so with at least two things: your room and your schedule. The rest, as you’ll see, will fall into place itself. Getting into this habit will also benefit you immensely in the real world.
4. Self-care
If you go to a college like mine, self-care is one of those words you won’t stop hearing. In reality, self-care comes in many different forms: from putting on a face mask and going to bed early to taking a day off for your health’s sake. Knowing how to love and take care of yourself is the first step to being independent.
5. Be single for a while
This is really a personal choice. However, being single and mindful of your wholeness teaches you to feel secure about yourself without anyone giving you attention and reassurance. If you’re a person who goes from one relationship to another, perhaps try getting out of it for a short while to enjoy the moments of being emotionally unattached. The freedom can be addictive!
6. Take a R.A.D class
A R.A.D (Rape Aggression Defense) class is basically a self-defense class. For your own well-being and safety, it’s important that you take one during your four years of college (even if it’s not obligatory at your school) to learn how to protect yourself physically.
7. Get a job on or off campus
No matter how occupied you are with academic work, try to arrange at least a few hours a week to work a part-time job that gives you some earnings. You will feel more independent financially, or at least have some money to save up or treat yourself with.
8. Cook for yourself sometime
Another thing you should learn in college is how to cook! Cooking for yourself makes you feel utterly mature. Even if you have unlimited meals in the dining hall or if there isn’t a proper kitchenette in your dorm, you can always find opportunities to cook once in awhile. (Tips for Mawrtyrs: if you live on campus, the SGA kitchen is the place to go to if you want to treat yourself to a self-cooked meal, or just simply sneak in a hot plate!)
9. Buy yourself something nice with your self-earned money
The pleasure of earning money is being able to spend it on something worthwhile, whatever it is and however big or small. Get a taste of the enjoyable side of being an adult! The financial freedom will make you even more eager to become an independent woman.
10. Travel on your own
Finally, the most fun part of the learning process! You should make it a goal to travel somewhere all alone at least once a year. It’s even better if part, if not all, of the expenses are paid by the money you earned by yourself. Traveling is not only an opportunity to explore and to use all the skills you have learned during the school year, but also a time to soak in the fullness of being you and only you.