What I wish I knew about the college experience

By Jasmine Smith, May 4, 2021

“College will be the best time of your life” is a phrase that is always used when describing college in movies or to high school students. I’m not saying college is horrible by any means; however, I wish I got a heads-up beforehand. 

When I was growing up, I believed being in college meant joining a sorority and going out every weekend. The movies highly glamourized Greek life as almost a rite of passage for incoming students. Surprise, surprise, the college experience doesn’t always include joining a fraternity or a sorority. Although they are fun ways to make connectionsthey aren’t the only way to socialize. I realized this during rush week of my freshmen year; I signed up to rush, but I didn’t even end up going. Why? I made friends in some of my classes, and I didn’t feel the need to join a group of girls that I might not vibe well with. 

Those friends I made my freshman year are still my best friends four years later. Having a lot of friends is fun, but it won’t necessarily make you any happier. In my opinion, having a close-knit group of friends allows you to really get to know the people you allow into your life. It’s so easy to get lost in a sea of “friends” that are disingenuous. For me, I found three people who have similar qualities as me, but each have their own unique personalities that I admire. One friend has this unfiltered honesty no matter who she’s speaking with, and another friend is the most compassionate even to those who wrong her. I think it’s important to find people that make you want to be better and not make you feel bad about who you are. 

I will admit, though, that it’s easy to succumb to the pressures of your peers, especially when you are new to college. I know it sounds cliche to bring up peer pressure, but it’s important to remember it’s easy to fall into the pit. A pit of bad habits can not only ruin you mentally but emotionally as well. Some students go to college ready for a taste of freedom, and they don’t know how far is too far until they wake up alone and don’t remember what happened. I have experienced times where I acted out of character because I didn’t want to be a “buzzkill” and ruin the fun. Don’t change who you are to fit a mold because one day you will wake up and not even recognize the person in the mirror. 

Being alone isn’t as bad as it sounds. Sometimes I need alone time to re-center myself because life is like the weather; it’s always changing when you least expect it. I know traditionally when you see someone alone you think they’re a loner, but that isn’t always the case. Having moments to yourself to think about who you are and what you want for yourself is refreshing. When people constantly surround me, I can’t always grasp what I need and how I feel. 

Finally, pay attention to how you feel and how certain people make you feel. Trust that gut feeling that you have, whether it be people, classes or jobs. There is a good chance you are right about it, so never question yourself.  

Four years sounded like such a long time when I started college, but, in a blink of an eye, it’s about to be over. I’ve made some mistakes, and that’s okay because I learned so much from those moments. Have faith in who you are and who you’re becoming because it’s you against the world.  

  • Show Comments (0)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

comment *

  • name *

  • email *

  • website *

You May Also Like

How to navigate campus parking

By Tevin Voong Just like death and taxes, you can’t escape the parking situation ...

After Manchester, stay safe and stay united

By Jaylene Guevara The senseless terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, ...

Community art needs more appreciation

By Jocelyn Oceguera The importance of art is an integral part in the development ...

 
Verified by MonsterInsights