24 Life Lessons El Colegio Taught Me

They told me that time would pass by flying. Now I get it. I am five months away from ending the best and worst five years of my life. Other than the timeless memories, ‘El Colegio’ left me some life lessons that I will take with me on my path through life. It hasn’t been easy, but rather frustrating, most of the time. Yet, after hitting the same wall several times, here goes some wisdom: 

1. You are never the smartest person in the room. 

2. Manners and courtesy will always take you further than being an ass ever will. 

3. There are ways to make a point without acting like a total jerk. 

4. Never underestimate people, they might surprise you. 

5. Yet, do not expect anything from anyone, even if you do something for them, the favor won’t always be returned. 

6. Treat people right-it is a small world after all. 

7. You should always make time for the things that really matter; family dinners, drinks with friends, and a concert of your favorite band, to mention a few. 

8. Having the best grades doesn’t make you a better person, or the smartest one, or the most likely to succeed. Your GPA won’t determine your future.

9. What you thought you wanted is not necessarily what you should aim for. 

10. It is okay to change your mind, your plans, and your major. 

11. It is even okay not to have a clear plan, at all. 

12. The love of your life isn’t always the person you should end up with. 

13. There is a fine line between honesty and imprudence- learn not to cross it. 

14. You may know a lot of people, but just a few of them are truly your friends. 

15. Parallel parking is an essential life skill. 

16. Be open minded- it has nothing to do with morals, but rather with understanding that not everyone has your set of values, and that is fine too.

17. Patience is a virtue which will make your life easier. 

18. Sometimes it is okay to let go- even a class. 

18. First impressions aren’t always right- but your instincts highly likely are. 

19. It won’t kill you to ask, if you genuinely don’t know. 

20. Do not think it is obvious- you didn’t always know. 

21. Reserve all judgment- not everything is what it seems. 

22. You only live once, but everything you do has consequences. 

23. Negotiate, insist.

24. Always listen to your momma. As annoying as it is, she is always right. 

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