Remember when you were sixteen and thought people in their early twenties were grown-ups? Remember when you couldn’t wait for your parents to stop nagging and leave you alone? Now imagine being twenty-two, a senior in college, and realizing you are the adult you once dreamed of becoming, but not feeling ready for that responsibility at all. Imagine wanting to call your parents just to make sure you’re doing laundry right. Welcome, you’ve just imagined what it’s like to be in my world.
As I near the end of the first semester of my senior year, I’ve been reflecting on my college career. How have I utilized my time here? How am I going to spend my last semester here on this campus that I’ve learned to call home? (You know, in between the anxiety and the panic attacks about job searching and the reality of having to be a “real adult” soon.)
I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I’ve made memories I will cherish too. I’ve stumbled and fallen, but I’ve also picked myself up. I’ve burned bridges but found some forever friends too. College is a precious time of your life – treasure and make the most of it. Here are some tips from a college senior.
1. GPA is important, but it’s not everything.
Don’t get me wrong, getting good grades is important – especially if you are aiming for graduate school. But even then, it shouldn’t consume you. Sometimes life gets to you, and getting that 98% on the final just doesn’t happen. That’s okay. You are not defined by your grades. Career-wise – internship experience, connections, interview skills and a polished resume can matter more than your GPA. But outside of that, college is also important for shaping you into a functional adult. Make time to spend with your friends. Join that club you’ve wanted to join. Go to that cooking class you’ve seen on flyers every morning on your way to class. The path to becoming a well-rounded individual doesn’t involve grades alone.
2. Prioritize your friendships over boys
If you can help it, don’t make a boyfriend the focus of your first year here. Freshman year should be all about making friends with the people on your dorm floor, figuring out which dining court is your favorite, and complaining about COM114 and 7:30am biology labs. It’s about exploring a completely unique aspect of school compared to the last eighteen years of your life. Don’t waste it all on a boy who – let’s face it – probably isn’t going to last.
3. Don’t be afraid to be yourself
College isn’t like high school. If it feels like it is, you need new friends or a new attitude. You should not be ashamed to explore who you are or who you want to become. If you want to join a sorority, don’t let stereotypes stop you. If you don’t want to go out every Friday night, it doesn’t make you a bore or a prude. There are over 30,000 students here. I promise you will find people who are on the same wavelength of weird as you, and who will love you. Get out there and find them.
4. Treasure your parents
College is likely the first time you’ve been away from home. Coming to college made me realized how much I relied on my parents, and how little I showed appreciation for them. Call your parents once in a while, update them on your life. Ask them for advice when you’re troubled. They are your built-in support system – don’t take them for granted.
5. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you
As much as we may or may not like it, we’re adults now. Take responsibility for your life. Your experience here will be as good or bad as you make it. Your grades will (generally) reflect your efforts. College is hard. If you need help, talk to your professors and TAs. They are your number one source of help and are severely under-used by the general student body. They could also end up becoming great references or networking connections. Go to the CCO for resume help. Go to career fairs outside of your major. Go out and try things. Make yourself uncomfortable. Opportunities will not present themselves to you as easily as they did in high school. Find them for yourself first.
6. Have fun
You worked so hard to get here! Live your life to the fullest. Talk to that cute guy in your philosophy class. Say hello to that girl who sits by herself. Apply for that impossible internship. Go on a road trip with your friends. Plan for the future, but also live in the present. A college experience like this only happens once. It will be one of the best and worst times of your life. Have so much fun with it.