6 Important Lessons I Learned in College (Written by a College Senior)

1. You cannot move faster than time.

During the summer of before college, I worked as a camp counselor for six long weeks. Those long monotonous days where I was busy at every waking hour made me want to just jump to August when I would be packing up and boarding the plane fresh and ready orientation. Freshman fall, I had my sights set on declaring my major in cognitive science immediately and to solidify my study abroad plans as soon as I could. I was afraid that I wouldn’t get (or worse) have the opportunity that I had been dreaming about. But what you have to realize is that your future is bright; what’s yours is already yours for the taking. So make the most of the constant drag of needing to get past excess “time” in order to grow, before the opportunity you’ve been dreaming about. I promise it’ll still be there when its time.

2. Be cautious of the honey-moon phase.

Within the first couple of weeks at the beginning of college, each new semester, and my study abroad year I was absolutely enamored. I was the emoji with the star eyes. Now, don’t get me wrong — I was a bit nervous about what I was getting myself into, but as soon as those feelings subsided I was head over heals in love with the person I was, the people that I met, and the experience that I was currently having. This is totally normal and okay, but sometimes it can cloud your vision. It could make you not realize red flags right in front of you or force you into overextending yourself. Especially with new friendships, romantic relationships, or job opportunities. So dance within the light of your moment, but take time, within that moment, to breathe and contemplate everything you’re feeling and the energy that you’re expending. Journal, reflect to a friend, sit in a quiet place. Find a balance for your own future sanity.

3. People make time for what they want.

Now, this piece of advice references the part of college where not everything is peachy-keen. When things have been going so well but then you notice that the new friend you made from your seminar class is using you for your notes but won’t get lunch with you or when that guy from the party last weekend won’t text you back, remember this line. If people understand your worth, respect your time, and have a genuine interest in getting to know you, they will. They will make the time, space, and effort to cater to you, and if you’re feeling them, then you will let them, and things will be good. But do not waste yourself on people who have wasted your time. It is never worth it. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll look back with embarrassment or self-pity for ever thinking that you were worth being someone’s option.

4. They don’t know what this feeling is like.

This line from the Chainsmokers song sums up the highest moments I have had in college and the frustration that I have in not being able to fully communicate them to other people. There will be many experiences that your family and your friends from home will not understand. Your friends will not know the rush of excitement and nervousness you felt playing in your first college soccer game or despite giving them intense details about your movements during the time. Your family will not understand what it was like to travel across the world and live with a host family during your study abroad trip in Europe. And that is okay, because any good family member or friend will share your excitement and empathize with you.

This is also part of growing up and starting to write and narrate your own story. From these experiences you may deviate from what people expected from you or the definitions of success that they see for you. But that is not for them to decide. So go with your gut in order to be safe but also go with the feeling that fulfills you the most.

5. Say ‘yes’ more but remember to say ‘no’ sometimes.

College will tempt you. As it should. It will tempt you to do things that you have never done before or never imagined doing. You may drink, dive into a serious relationship, travel the world, go to clubs, bars, or college parties every weekend, fail an exam or class, try new foods, join a new club or activity, or you may not do any of those things. The point is try as many new things as possible because you will never have this time back. You will never have another good time to take risks so do it now. Jump into discomfort but know when you reached your limit; know when to say no.

The thing they don’t tell you is: you will become a different person in college but your core always remains strong. You know who you are and college should just add to that. Make smart decisions but also don’t have a cow if it turns out to be the worst idea in the world. That is usually what makes for the best stories and months later.

6. Jealousy is the evil twin of gratitude — don’t let her win.

When you’re constantly surrounded by people in your dorm, your classes, and your social activities, you learn a lot about what other people are doing. It is easy to become envious or jealous of other people. But in college, nothing is fixed — including your goals. You may be jealous of the prestigious law internship your friend got for the summer, because you want to be a lawyer one day, only to realize during the next semester you actually want to be a journalist and that internship would have led you away from your passion. The right opportunity will pop up for you, even if it takes so many fails or missed opportunities for you to get it. When it comes you will not hesitate and you will thank yourself for being patient.

The reality is that college is such a blessing; only about 7 percent of people worldwide have a college degree! So remember that when you feel yourself growing jealous because you have not reaped tangible results yet. Keep trying and make sure that you are grateful for each and every failed attempt. Count your blessings everyday, thank your friends and family for supporting you and making you laugh when you’re down. Don’t take anything for granted. Realize that you are doing your best and in time you will get the right opportunity just like everybody else.