Wisdom from an Almost-Graduate

Despite the fact that it is midterms week and the weather has been cold, rainy, and dreary, I am in an excellent mood. I am in such a good mood because I just registered for my last semester of classes. It is a weird feeling really. The end of my college career is so close. I am excited and scared all at the same time.

This means that every major event will be that much more special because it will be my last as a student. I will attend my last football games and tailgates, my last homecoming festivities etc. I would be lying to you, if I said there was nothing I would do differently. As it stands though, I am a happy, healthy, 22-year-old, so I cannot complain. Here are a few things I wish someone had told me before I started college. 

Work your butt off. It will be worth it. Sometimes it can feel like it will kill us, but it will not. Suck it up and just do it.

This may be a tad bit contradictory, but make sure you make time for fun. Ten years from now I will not remember the Wednesday night I spent in the library, but I am sure I will have memories of times spent with my friends forever.

Do not waste time being a “freshman.” There can be hesitation to get involved because everything is new to you and you are being bombarded with new people, opportunities, and ideas. It is a lot easier to play it safe, take a seat on the bench, and watch the action from the sidelines. Get out there! Make a name for yourself.

Do not take yourself to seriously. We are all weird and awkward. It is the truth. There is a Dr. Seuss quote that goes, “There is no one alive who is Youer than You,” so just be you.

Use your resources that you and/or your parents pay so much money for. Every time I think about it, I am baffled by the amount of people who do not use the recreation facilities. It does not cost any extra money because it is taken out of their student activities fees. The career center will critique your resume, and set up mock interviews for free. Take advantages of opportunities like this at your school.

No matter how smart you, there will be that one subject that will not come as easy to you. It could be that chemistry course you are taking to fulfill your general education science requirement. You may curse every time you have to go to class or open the book because you are more than certain you will never use the information in “real life.” Talk to your TA or professor or stop by the student success center as it is called here. What I am getting at is- ask for help when you need it.

There have been a couple of students who committed suicide during my time here. A student jumped off a parking garage right around finals last year. I do not know what his situation was, but it breaks my heart to think that was the only way he saw to fix his problems. College is just one phase of your life. If nothing else you can get through it. Do not discredit the emotion toll adjusting to college can have on you or someone you know. If you are having a hard time, talk to someone. If it is someone you know, look out for your friends.

Surround yourself with good people. Life is good when you have people around you who have good habits and inspire you to be the best that you can be. That sounds cheesy, but it is true.

I am sure once I walk, dance or do cartwheels across the stage at graduation, I will magically be bestowed with more knowledge for you. Until then keep your head up and do the best you can.