I have to be completely honest: I am still in shock that my first year of college is almost over. So much has happened this past year. I moved over 300 miles away from home and started studying at a new school. They always tell you that you change a lot in your first year of college and that you grow a lot as a person. I did not use to think this was true. Until now. Here are just a few things I have learned about myself and how I have changed since August 21, 2017.
I don’t mind being on campus.
When I first arrived to UF, I noticed that everyone was always on campus. Students were either in the library, the Reitz Union – people hung out anywhere and everywhere. My first semester, I thought this was strange; why on earth would anyone want to stay on campus longer than just class time? But this semester, I realized it is actually not all that bad. In fact, I spend most of my time now on campus, even sometimes on weekends.
I’m pretty good at time management.
In high school, I balanced a lot of responsibilities. I took a lot of AP classes, was part of many extra-curricular activities and basically never had time for myself. But I realized that now, even though I have a lot on my plate, I learned to budget my time. Staying organized and keeping on top of all my assignments has really helped me grow. Thanks to my solid time management skills, I even have more “me time.”
I actually like to clean.
Before, I used to dread cleaning. I would avoid it like the plague. Now? I love it. I look forward to waking up on the weekends, blasting music and cleaning up my room, my bathroom and my apartment. I like everything squeaky clean. I am literally turning into my Abuela.
I can cook.
I honestly continue to surprise myself every time a whip up a delicious and satisfying home-cooked meal. I have never been a fan of eating out. So, I knew that once I started college I would need to learn how to cook. After many FaceTime calls with my mom guiding me on how to make some of my favorite dishes, I am proud to say that I am not as bad of a chef as I once thought I was.
I didn’t break any washing machines.
Funny story: my first time washing clothes back home, I broke my washing machine. I jammed three loads worth of clothes in there, and it obviously broke. I used that as my excuse to get out of washing clothes. But, when I got to UF, I did not have a choice. I had to learn how to properly do my own laundry. So, I was very proud of myself when I did so, and did not break the machine.
I set my own pace.
When I got to college, I was expecting my life to be as crazy and bustling as it used to be. I thought everything was going to pick up right where I left off. Honestly, the best decision I made was allowing myself to get accustomed to things my first semester. I decided to relax and take it easy. Now, I barely have a second to breathe, but I am glad I gave myself that time to adjust. Not everyone can jump right into things and be able to handle it. You do you.
I appreciate being home even more.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is that I took my time at home for granted – and I miss it. I go home often enough to keep myself involved in my family life. But, I can truly say that as annoying as my parents, brother, or little cousins are, there is nothing better than home.
It really does go by so fast.
Like I said before, I truly cannot believe one year has already passed. From signing my lease for next year’s apartment to figuring out what classes to take in the fall, everything is happening so quickly. Even though I am dreading these last couple of weeks that are filled with papers and finals, I am looking forward to summer. In just a few more years, I will be graduating, looking back and wondering where all the time went.
I can honestly say that I have changed a lot this past year and I’m positive I have changed in more ways than the ones I listed. Overall, I know that moving away for college has taught me a lot about myself and has really helped me grow as a person.