When you get to college, everyone tells you that it’s going to be the best four years of your life; I’m not really sure I ever believed that. When you first get there (or at least this is how it was for me), you feel like your entire world is sort of blowing up. For most students, after the parents get you all set up and leave you alone in your dorm, it sinks in that that’s it; you’re on your own now. It becomes real that it is your responsibility to take care of yourself. No one will be doing your laundry, cleaning up after you or cooking you meals anymore.
For me, although I was really excited to start fresh, I was absolutely terrified of what was to come once my mom and dad walked out of my dorm. Not so much the cleaning or laundry part, my parents made sure I knew how to do those things for myself well before I left the nest, but more the really taking care of myself part. It can be really overwhelming for anyone to feel simultaneously excited and frightened, and it for sure got to me. When I got to school, I had broken up with my high school boyfriend of nearly 3 years the night before (1/10, don’t recommend), moved in with someone I barely knew and said goodbye to the friends I had known my whole life; can you see how I may have been overwhelmed? Well, the reality is, once you start taking chances, putting yourself out there, meeting new friends and getting your footing in your new surroundings, it all gets a little easier; I’m sure any college student would tell you that.
Now, as a second semester senior, I’m spending a lot of time reflecting on my time in college as graduation nears. Thinking about the naive girl I was when I stepped foot on campus and the young woman I have become over the years, there’s a pretty big difference. Not only in my physical appearance and personal style, cause my oh my have those things changed (s/o 2017 choker trend), but also in the way I view myself and choose to handle situations.
I was really lucky to have met so many wonderful people through my time in university, all while making incredible memories that I will never forget. Whether it be close friends, classmates or even professors, these people have helped shape me into the person I am today, and for that I am forever grateful.
It becomes a very saddening and sentimental time when you reach the second semester of your last year in college, trust me. You start to think about all of the things you may never be able to do again, people you may never see again, and the memories you will continue to reminisce on for the rest of your life. Especially with COVID taking over our entire senior year, the class of 2021 is definitely feeling all the feels at this point in the spring term.
However, I don’t want this article to bring down anyone’s spirit. In fact, I would rather it be a reminder to everyone in college (not just the seniors) to cherish every moment. Cherish the times you cried over the person you liked, sprinting to class in the morning because you set your alarm for PM instead of AM, the walks back from a party recapping everything that happened with your friends (pre-COVID, ofc), and the dining hall food you swore you would never eat again; you’ll miss it all once you turn that tassel to the other side. Cherish every single moment of the four years you were lucky enough to experience. Honestly, there really is no time like when you’re in college; you get to sort of pretend like you’re an adult without realllyyyy having the responsibilities of one. Looking back on my four years, I’m grateful for every laugh, cry, smile and scream.
My advice? Pay attention to everything around you, always be open to new experiences and meeting new people and most importantly, listen to yourself. You’re a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for; no one knows you like yourself. Talk to the person who sits next to you in class, they could become one of your best friends. Play intramural sports or join a club, it could seriously change your college experience. Go out on the nights that you don’t feel pretty (you look fine, I promise). Maybe even start an online magazine; you could be creating a community that will live on forever at your school. Embrace all of the opportunities to grow as a person, internally, socially and academically. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help, everyone around you wants to see you succeed. And lastly, don’t take it for granted even for one second. As good as anyone, I know how fast these four years can fly by. Now, I truly believe that these years were some of the best of my life and ones I will surely never forget.
I love you, college. Thanks for everything, I’ll miss you when you’re gone.