After just six months, I feel like I’ve learned so much in so little time — lessons that extend past academics, applying to many aspects of life. In an effort to continue the cycle of learning, I thought it’d be fitting to share some of those lessons with you!
1. Comparison kills happiness!
This probably seems like a given, but it’s worth a reminder as it’s much too easy to make comparisons with the 40,000+ students at UC Berkeley (also known as Cal) — not to mention, other peers and social media personas. In an academic setting, especially one as rigorous as Cal, I understand how much easier this is said than done. Comparison is natural, yet as the title suggests, it also kills happiness.
Instead, turn those comparisons into inspiration; find and cultivate the same qualities you aspire to in yourself. Oftentimes, we have what we wish for but just can’t see it!
2. Treat each semester like it’s your last
Like much of this list, I am guilty — constantly putting off assignments, events, opportunities, etc. until next semester. While some of these tasks make their way into my short few months, most of my wants end up replaced by needs; in short, I often have regrets.
Whether it’s a club, class, or friend, there are so many opportunities missed because, “I’ll do it later” — while rarely ever doing said task later. Instead, do it now! If anything, my first semester taught me that this experience will be over in what seems like seconds. If you don’t start living in the present, it’ll literally pass you by.
3. Don’t let Cal define you
While getting into a university like Cal is an accomplishment, it’s not the only or most important thing about any student. Sometimes the ambition and competition here can get overwhelming! It goes without saying that some people want to be defined by this university, but on the other end of that spectrum are those who wish to have a separate identity. Whichever side you are on, it’s crucial to understand that you have so much more to offer as individuals — it’s one of the many reasons you’re here in the first place! Don’t sell yourself short by letting this achievement transcend all the others.
4. Treat others as you want to be treated
While this may not be personally applicable (to either of us), it’s certainly a lesson. Like many, if not all Cal students, I’ve experienced my fair share of debatable (an understatement) encounters with other students; from what seems like it’d be common courtesy to flat-out disrespect, my first six months here have almost turned me cold. Fortunately, I’m always subconsciously reminded that I’d only be doing myself a disservice. Unfortunately, not everyone will get that reminder.
Regardless of the circumstances, we can all do ourselves and each other a favor by treating people the way we want to be treated. I know it sounds elementary, but it’s a lesson that’ll never lose its value. We all have to deal with life beating us up off-campus — why do it to each other on-campus too?
5. Don’t feel guilty for taking a break.
I initially started to write, “It’s okay to take a break” instead of my existing header: “Don’t feel guilty for taking a break,” until I realized that the break isn’t the problem — the guilt is. How many times have you procrastinated a project, but felt so stressed that it would’ve been less exhausting to just do it? I know the feeling all too well!
The thing is, you still took the break and will continue to take them, so why do you have to be so hard on yourself? Everyone needs a break sometimes — it’s normal; if you didn’t, it’d actually be strange! Guilt never gets you anywhere but down. There’s no reason to put stress on yourself in an already stressful situation. Give yourself and your mind grace.
“Give yourself and your mind grace.”
Mercedes Chioino
6. This is still just the beginning of life
If you don’t listen to any of the other lessons, listen to this one! My final sentiment captures all the former in just one phrase: it’s only the beginning.
While many of us have already lived more than two decades, we’re still barely beginning our lives; by the time they actually begin, we’ll have forgotten everything we once considered important— grades, guilt, embarrassment, etc.
Failing a class won’t ruin your chances of a successful future. Losing a friend doesn’t mean you’ll never make another. Being alone now doesn’t guarantee that it’ll always be that way. Forget your worries that these small things will change the entire trajectory of your life for the negative — many of the things that happen now will never matter past this moment. This is just the start of a long journey in the right direction; give yourself time to see that!
Cal has already taught me so much, but, just like life, it’s only the beginning. We all have so much to learn — so many more lessons to share. Take advantage of every moment, opportunity, and experience; never allow anything to simply pass by!