The best lessons I’ve learned in my college years
Because I just graduated, I wanted to reflect and share the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since going away from home. These have been such formative years for me, and I have learned so much about both life and myself.
Learn to change with life changes
Often the word “change” is used with a negative connotation, but I truly believe that it is one of the best elements of life, if you learn to accept it positively. When beginning my college years, I always craved certainty, stability and routine. And while my morning routine is one of the most important parts of my life (and keeps me sane), you have to learn to enjoy and embrace the change. You should always be changing. If I was the same person I was even just 6 months ago, that would not be good. I learn so much every day, and I strive to change for the better every single day. The more we push away change, the more clogged life can feel. Change can be scary but trust that it is redirecting you for the better.
2. You get what you give
Just because you put effort into something or someone, doesn’t mean that it is always going to work out. However, if you constantly show up for yourself and others, share genuine kindness and generosity with the world, and understand that there’s enough to go around, I really think that the universe will return that energy back to you.
3. Rejection is redirection
Rejection is really tough. It’s hard to accept that somebody doesn’t like you, or maybe that you’re “not good enough” to get into a certain school. Instead of saying “F them” or “they’re just jealous”, know that it is okay to be upset about rejection. There’s no reason to be hostile. You weren’t meant to do everything, or be friends with everyone. Let yourself feel the sadness or the anger, and then figure out what you want going forward. Trust the process and know that everything will be okay in the long run.
4. Nobody is the same and nothing is linear.
This lesson goes along with the idea that you should never compare. We all live different lives, so we all need different things.
5. I have to do this. —> I get to do this.
When I switched my mindset from the “I have to do this” mindset to the “I get to do this” mindset, my life exponentially changed for the better. Whenever I am overwhelmed or annoyed, I try to take a step back and realize that I should appreciate the homework assignment I am frustrated with. Many people around the world don’t even have water. I should be so grateful that I get to experience higher education, and that I have the privilege to not have to worry about having clean water.
6. It’s easy to lose appreciation for the things you always have around.
This goes along with number 5 above. When you always have something around, it’s easy to lose appreciation. For instance, when a loved one says, “Come in here, I want to show you something.” Instead of getting PO’ed that you have to stop what you’re doing, you should be so grateful that somebody saw something, thought of you, and cared enough to want to show you. Appreciating the little things is the only way to get the most out of life.
7. Life isn’t that serious.
I thought I would end on a more lighthearted topic. Life really just isn’t that serious. Everybody is just a person. Stop idolizing people in your mind. Be professional at work, and get your stuff done, but you can also have fun. I used to take group projects so seriously. But as I’ve progressed through college, I’ve realized that you should be having fun, too. Work and fun can coexist! But, you might have to be the one to initiate the fun factor!