As the last 16 weeks of senior year are quickly approaching, I've had no choice but to look back on my college experience. I could break down all seven completed semesters and share my experiences and lessons learned, but I'm not sure I want to write a book yet. However, I will say that I've grown so much from freshman year to now. Here's six major things I've learned so far, and I am sure I have so much more to go.
1. Importance of Education (or in other words, my money): I remember freshman year, being a typical college freshman skipping more classes than I should have, and just pushing myself to succeed because so many people were counting on me. Now, this past semester I didn't skip one class and worked my butt off to get one step closer to my desired graduating GPA. Now I am conducting my own research study as I close out this wonderful journey. I think this is because not only do I have to pay my own tuition, but I think because I've really matured over the years.
2. Be Persistent: I am very persistent. Whatever I want, I try my hardest to achieve. Not everyone is very accepting of such character trait, but hey, it works fine for me. Penn State was the only school I applied to in high school. I knew I wanted to go and I wasn't going to have it any other way. I remember my guidance counselor asking me if I had a plan B. I told him, "I don't need a plan B if I do it right the first time." He looked at me funny, but looked at me funnier back in September when I went back to complete my internship as a student social worker with the counseling department. We made eye contact and laughed, as he asked, "You weren't kidding were you?" Moments like such are unexplainable especially when you know you've achieved what you wanted. College has taught me that. If you thought I was persistent before college, well boy are you in for it now.
3. Friends: Coming into freshman year, I met so many people, but the ones that I actually attempted a friendship with (i.e. got number, hung out with, friended on facebook) we still talk! I am still amazed that the friends you meet in college will be around for the rest of your life (if you want them to of course). I mean it's funny how different people and a different environment can change a person and even their views on the future and success. If you take anything from this post, please remember to surround yourself with people who can only lift you higher. I hate to be blunt, but if they are not influencing you positively, leave them behind!! There are a ton of moochers--people who live off another person's success, money, food, etc.--so you have to be aware of who you have in your life.
4. GenEds: Most colleges and universities require students to take an estimate of two years of general education courses. These courses include anything from math to philosophy. At first, I thought I was just taking these classes to fill up space, but it was so amazing to find out how much those courses meant to my education journey. It is an amazing feeling sitting in class, participating in class discussion, and being able to apply and integrate knowledge from other classes. Ahhhh, my money went to good use.
5. Diversity: At college, education doesn't just occur in the classroom. In fact, you learn something new as soon as you step foot on campus depending on with whom you interact. College has opened my eyes to the fact that not one person is the same inside or out. I don't care what any one says, students at my school come from back stories and places you would not believe. If you think knowing this cool, try meeting them and finally understanding that. Attending presidents retreats and other campus events, I've learned so much about different individuals at my school, but the funny thing is that learning about them makes you learn to respect everyone, including yourself. Seeing how different everyone was made me feel as though I belonged.
6. Get Involved: For me, going to a commuter campus in PA and still living at home in NJ, I thought it would be impossible to make friends and get involved. Now being president of an organization and a member of three more, I so completely take that back. As an adult, you make time for what you want to make time for, and while in the process you learn so much and meet so many amazing people. It's more than going to class and going home. It's about making a difference and enjoying yourself in the process.
No comments:
Post a Comment