I am a sophomore at Florida State this year and sometimes it seems like only a month ago that I was touring the campus, submitting my common app, and anxiously awaiting my letter of acceptance. As expected, freshman year came and went, along with all its crazy memories and iconic events. Now I’m almost on to my second semester of sophomore year, and I can’t seem to fathom where the time went. For most of us, especially the seniors this year, we are coming to the sad realization that college doesn’t last forever. What will happen when we’re too old to go out and dance at the club with our friends? What about going to frat tailgates and pretending we actually know something about football? Or even worse, wearing short miniskirts?! Basically, I’m crying over the fact that with the end of the college comes an end to an era. But with only a few fleeting years left, how do I stay focused on the present when I am always dreading the future (aka being an adult)?
Well for those of you like me, here are some encouraging words: college isn’t over yet! Whether you have a few short weeks, a semester, or three more years, I am telling you: refuse to let this be the end! Live each day with intention and gratitude. Fully recognize all the amazing resources that the campus has offered you. And I am not talking about your social calendar, I am talking about the sense of independence, the atmosphere, and expectations set upon us as a student at FSU that are constantly pushing you to your full potential. Because there is nothing quite like a college campus to force a person to grow up, so be thankful for just that.
Coming out of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I think all of us are pretty tired of the three words, “I’m thankful for…” but honestly, I think the key to making your college experience last is exactly that: being thankful. If you don’t take a second to step back and do this, then everything passes you by in the blink of an eye.
Courtesy: Pinterest
Be thankful for your epic fails, one-night flings, crazy friends ( and horrible friends, too), and that “F” you made on your final exam. Hell, be thankful for the horrible cafeteria food. If we don’t recognize all of its significance, then college was a waste of time. Accept the fact that college is going to be a roller coaster of ups and downs, and embrace this realization wholeheartedly. Only when you accept your college years for what they were or what they are, will you be able to move into the future with your head up.
Also, collegiettes, I’m not going to tell you that adulting completely sucks. I mean not that I have a real experience to base this opinion off of, but I can’t imagine that every adult is completely miserable after college. In fact, I see a lot of them thriving. So, you know what? With a little bit of gratitude, I think we’ve all got this!