4 things I learned in college

College. Man where to begin.

For starters, I didn’t want to go to college. Truthfully I thought that maybe a community college was my route or that a gap year before starting would be good. I really just didn’t like the idea of growing up. For me, high school was amazing. I felt like I was on top of the world. I was in a group of friends who were similar to me, I had a boyfriend I adored and a family that loved me. It seemed like college would only make the memory of those glory days fade faster than they already would. So, I did what I thought was best. I applied to 2 schools, ISU and UWEC, and waited until the very last day to accept one of them. UWEC it was, only 1.5 hours from home. Perfect.

So, why am I writing about this? Well, I am now a college graduate, whose perspective on life completely shifted over the past 4 years. I’m mostly wanting to share this because I have had some time to reflect and I wanted to share my honest thoughts on college and all that it had for me.

1. Everything will work itself out

Man if I could tell you how many times I changed my major you would laugh. Education, Psych, Marketing, Communication… you name it, I considered it. I am a very indecisive person which is especially unfortunate when making large decisions. Honestly guys, I didn’t decide a major until I was a Junior. So, if I can tell you anything it’s to go with what you like and it will all work out.

2. Don’t take yourself so seriously

I remember how strict I was freshman year about being the best student I could be. Honor Roll was an unspoken standard that I required of myself. It seemed like I spent so much time reading every chapter in every textbook, never letting myself slack. Fast forward to senior year and I had the system down, knowing just what I had to study and more importantly, what I didn’t. Overall I would tell myself to take a chill pill because I would be fine without honor roll status.

3. a Season, a Reason or a lifetime

I once heard that all relationships fall into 1 of 3 categories: a season, a reason or a lifetime.

This was a difficult lesson for me to learn in my beginning years of college. I had entered this adult world confident that my high school friendships that would certainly last a lifetime and that distance would pose no threat to our connections. But as you can guess, they didn’t… and you know what? That’s okay! This is even true of people that I met freshman year who I didn’t remain in contact with as I accepted my diploma. They were meant for a season of my life, not the whole thing. They were there when they were meant to be.

In my opinion, the lifetime relationships are incredibly hard to find because at some point don’t all relationships feel like they should last a lifetime?

While I am one of the most social people in this world, I am only really really close to a handful of people. It’s not that I’m hiding parts of myself from the other friends in my life, it’s just that these life-timers have stood the test of time and brought out elements of my personality that I adore.

SO, my tip for finding these people is look at who your friends are & who makes you feel like you can conquer the world. Then keep them close to your heart.

4. Take Chances

Sophomore year was extremely hard for me. I felt so out of place and miserable in the house I lived in. I considered moving out, transferring schools or joining clubs, anything to get me out of that funk. But, what it ultimately came down to was changing my circumstances. Freshman year I was adamant about not studying abroad. I was so scared of taking leaps without knowing how I would land, especially when these leaps were in different countries and the landing was on cobblestone. But, I spent so long being miserable that I had to change something. I so vividly remember pacing the hallway calling my mom to tell her I was studying abroad for a full semester. Of course, I knew nothing about where I was going, and definitely didn’t know anyone in my program, but this urge to try something new was my guiding force. Thank God for that day.

I’m sorry that was so wordy, but once I started talking I couldn’t stop - haha! I hope that maybe if you are in college now that you learned something from this or feel comforted by this.

Cheers! xoxo -Katie