What I wish I knew before starting college
Starting a new chapter in life is exciting and nerve-racking. You hear so much talk about what is “ahead” and “what is to come”, but you don’t really know what it’s going to be like until you experience it yourself. College is a space where you can grow, learn, and challenge yourself. Yes, academics are very important, but they are not everything, and it is very important to remember that. Take the time to get to know yourself better and to get to know other people. Stay true to who you are and your values, because you will come face to face with a lot of temptations and distractions, but all you can do is what you think is best for yourself.
1. You don’t have to have everything figured out
Please don’t listen to people when they say that everything will automatically click once you get into college. A harmful misconception is that you need to know what you want to do with your life when you get there. Very few people have everything planned out. It’s not about knowing everything; it’s about gaining knowledge through experience. Take different classes, talk to new people, create relationships with professors, and branch out. These experiences will help shape your path, even if you don’t know where that path is taking you yet. College is a process, and throughout this process, you will experience ups and downs, but it is all part of the journey. Don’t be afraid to fail because the hard parts are where you grow the most.
2. Your Only Competition Is Yourself
Progress can be hard because results take time to see. You will encounter people from all different walks of life, but don’t forget that those people are not your competition, so don’t compare yourself to them. Comparing yourself to what other people are and what other people are doing only creates unnecessary pressure on yourself. Something right for someone else may not be the right thing for you. Remember to stay grounded in who you are in order not to lose sight of yourself.
3. Progress Over Perfection
Perfection is an unrealistic target. No one can be perfect all the time, but you can always strive for progress. Mistakes are inevitable. What matters is what you do after those mistakes. Do you shut down, or do you learn from your mistakes? It is important not to lose sight that college is a place where you can make mistakes. No one will judge you for making mistakes as long as you try to fix them and grow from them. Allow yourself to be imperfect; all of the people that you see around you make mistakes too. Everyone is a work in progress.
4. Get Your Money’s Worth
Colleges are there to help you and to serve you as a student. Use all of the resources available to you, because they are there for a reason. Take the time to research clubs, programs, tutoring, counseling, career centers, and so many more resources that your college may offer. Another resource can be the Alumni network at your respected school. There are going to be so many people out there who just want to help you succeed, and all that you have to do is ask.
5. Take Care Of Yourself
A false narrative about college is that you need to work yourself into the ground to succeed. You will need to work hard and make sacrifices, but your mental well-being should not be one of them. Taking time to rest is not lazy because burnout is a very real thing, and it’s a tough thing to come back from. To avoid this, make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Reserve time in your schedule where you can be by yourself, relax, and unplug. Our bodies are not wired to constantly be working; we need rest, sleep, nutrition, and relaxation to be able to work and perform at high levels without overworking our bodies.
Don’t forget that college is supposed to be fun, but that doesn't mean it will be easy. It can be easy to lose sight of how much time flies while you are in school, but the years will fly by. Take time to enjoy where you are and what you are doing. Celebrate the small things, and learn from your mistakes.