five things I've learned as a college student

 

      As I wrote this title, it felt surreal.  Grace, you can't be a college student...much less a college student with only three semesters left!  Inside, I still feel as if I'm fourteen.  There's no way that, in a little over a year from now, I'll be walking across a stage as a college graduate, and then I'll officially be grown up.  How is that possible? 

     It's crazy how life flies by so quickly.  There's a saying that the days are long, but the years are short.  That's exactly how college has been for me.  There have been many rough days, long nights, stressful exams, painful performances, and studying...so much studying.  Yet, I still can't believe I'm over halfway done.  So, in honor of the five semesters I've been in college, here are five things that I have learned as a college student.  

1. Grades are NOT everything 

If you would have told me this during my freshman year, I would've laughed at you.  It was extremely important to me to make good grades, and it still is.  However, getting a B is not the end of the world.  My first year of college, I had a 4.0, and the thought of finishing a class with a B almost made me sick.  I could not make a B.  I could not.  Then my sophomore year came along...I received a B in one of my difficult classes.  Guess what?  The world didn't end!  Life as I knew it didn't crash and burn and I wasn't failing college.  Don't get me wrong- making good grades is still extremely important to me, and I think you should try your hardest to make the highest grade you can.  With that being said, if the best you can do is a B, take that B!  B's get degrees!  C's get degrees!  It's all about your effort.  Try your hardest, and if that is a B, then be proud of it.  Grades do not define you.  

2. You do not have to be friends with everyone 

This is still something that I still struggle with.  My first year of college, I thought that everyone had to like me, and that I had to be friends with every person on campus.  Then, during my sophomore year, I grew apart from some people, and I kept thinking to myself that those people didn't like me anymore, and I hated that feeling.  I still do.  But one thing that I've learned is that you honestly cannot be friends with everyone, and you also cannot expect everyone to like you.  What is most important is that you find friendships that are going to last.  Find people who love you for who you are, and will stick with you even through your bad days.  It is so much better to have a small group of friends, and experience real friendships, than to be "friends" with everyone at school but have no one you can truly trust when things get rough.  

3. Despite what others think, you do not have to find your husband/wife at your school

This one makes me laugh as I write it out.  I was so sure that when I got to college, I'd fall in love on day ONE, we'd date, and then get married.  ASAP.  This is so not the case!  There is much I can say on this subject, but I don't have the time nor space to do so.  I will say this: some people meet their spouse in college, at their school, and that is wonderful. However, if you do not, nothing is wrong with you.  There is a world out there so much bigger than your tiny college campus.  It may not seem like it, but it's true.  God has a special someone out there for you and for me, and who cares if you don't meet them while you're in school?  I think God knows a little bit more than we do when it comes to these things :) 

4. TRY NEW THINGS

I cannot emphasize this one enough.  I told myself that when I came to school, I was going to make my introverted self get out there, meet new people, and try new things.  I'm so glad I did.  It was not easy, but I've learned so much about myself.  I never knew what I was capable of until I made myself step outside my comfort zone.  Since being in college, I've become an ambassador for my university, and was just nominated Vice President of our group.  I'm also a member of a traveling ensemble where I have to SING in front of people.  I haven't passed out yet...but the year isn't over :) I'm competing in a pageant next month (WHAT) and have been teaching violin lessons since last year.  Before I started college, I would've never have thought I could do any of the things listed above.  Believe me, it's been a daily struggle to deny my introverted tendencies, but it has been so rewarding.  This doesn't mean that I've suceeded at everything I've tried the last few years.  I've embarrassed myself so many times while at school-I can't keep track.  Honestly though, I'd rather make a fool of myself while trying new things than to attempt to keep a reputation of being "put together" all the time and have to sit out on exciting adventures.  

5. Jesus is most important 

Out of all the things I've learned while at school, this is what has gotten me through the last few years.  So many times I try to skip out on my time with Jesus, saying I don't have enough time, or that I'll do it later.  "Later" becomes days of not spending time with Jesus, and my life changes.  Let me just tell you- you will not make it far on your own strength.  You can try, but it will leave you empty.  It is vital to have daily time with Him.  I cannot stress this enough.  Jesus is what has gotten me through the last five semesters, and I know He is going to walk with me through the remaining three.  

     So there you have it.  While I'm no where near "mastering" the art of college, time management, or how to get out of bed with more than ten minutes remaining until class starts, I've found these things to be helpful, if not essential, for making it through some of the most difficult, yet rewarding, four years of your life.  

xxx

Grace