What the First Month of College has Taught Me

It is said that in the first month of college, freshmen learn some very important lessons, but I think it is more about realization than learning. Some of the things I realized were ideas I already knew or have been told, but I just never believed in them. Maybe it was because I was dependent on my family, or maybe it was because I was so accustomed to the same high school, extra curricular and sports routine, but it took just one month of independence and change for me to understand these life lessons. 

1. There is so much to do, and so many things to see.

I know our first intention in college is education, but if that is your only intention, you are not doing college any justice. You are in a new place with new people, and this is your chance to start over and explore. The opportunity to start fresh does not come often in life, so if you spend every minute of the day in either the classroom or with your head in the books you are missing out on too much.  I realized that there is something happening every minute of the day, whether it’s free cookies in the student commons, a Buffalo Wing fair or a lecture from a famous guest speaker. All these events and opportunities do get overwhelming sometimes, but in a good way. 

2. It’s okay to end relationships.

It does not matter if you are five minutes apart or eight hours apart, sometimes relationships just end. I began college thinking that all my high school besties would stay my besties. I thought we would drive to each other’s campuses occasionally and text every day. As days went on, plans fell through and texts stopped, and I was left with a select few special friends. At first I questioned if I didn’t put in enough effort on my part or if something had gone wrong, but eventually I did realize that not everyone in your life is meant to be there till the end; some are forever and some are temporary.

3. Money actually does not grow on trees.

Before the first class started in high school, I used to pick up Starbucks almost every morning. I never used to think twice before going out to dinner or the movies with friends. The first month of college has taught me the importance of money. The cost of textbooks, club dues and groceries all add up and for the first time I am seeing that total. I used to see it as $20 here and $10 there, but it’s different when you realize how much that adds up. I am glad I understood this lesson now instead of later down the road, but especially because, strangely, knowledge of money has made me feel even more independent.

4. You really should never judge something by what you hear about it.

Rumors and assumptions always flooded high school halls, and although some were completely unbelievable, we believed them. In the first month of college, I realized that not everything is the way society has made it look. This appreciation happened when I went through Sorority recruitment. Everyone has heard a rumor about sororities at least once, whether it is about how much they party, or how less they focus on their grades, and if I am being completely honest, I believed those rumors for a little while. When I thought of ways to make good friends here, like the ones I have back home, recruitment came to mind. After participating in the recruitment process I realized all those rumors couldn’t be more untrue. Every girl I met had amazing goals for herself, they all supported each other in school and sports, and they all were really good friends. Almost every sorority gave importance to their philanthropy and some Collegiatte Sorority women were even on the Dean’s list. The experience opened my eyes; it showed me that by making judgments and listening to what others have to say I could have missed out on an amazing opportunity.  If I had been judgmental, I would not be able to call myself a proud sister of Alpha Omicron Pi today.

5. Balance is Key.

The biggest lesson you absorb in the first month of college is the act of balancing. I am not referring to standing on one foot; I am referring to balancing clubs, studies, a social life and health all at the same time. In the beginning, I was completely stressed out because of all the time commitments. My stress decreased when I decided to put up and use a wall calendar, and download a to do list app on my phone. I was able to organize my priorities and block off times I would be busy so I could do homework and study. I go to bed every night with a to do list and a schedule for the next day, and although some days are more packed and hectic than others, it’s all just a simple balancing act. 

• college
• independence
• life lessons