Every kid loathes these words... Generally, we find ourselves assuming that our elders could never understand the intricacies of being a young man or woman in our today's world. I mean, my mom talks about how calculators were the most cutting edge technology when she was in school. How can kids from a generation with Skype or iPods or social networking relate to that?
But in rare cases, one might stumble upon a relatable Baby Boomer. I recently read an article entitled "Things I wish I knew when I was 22" (
http://almostfearless.com/2008/05/21/8-things-i-wish-i-knew-when-i-was-22/). Naturally, I was curious to read suggestions for someone my age. I wasn't expecting to find anything worth reading, but I figured I might as well see what the woman had to say. Within the article, I found a list of very general, yet applicable, suggestions for a young twenty something.
So anyway, this article got me thinking about things I wish I knew way back when. While it is difficult to take advice from anyone outside of your own ego, it is even more difficult to take it from someone who seems way out of touch. But as a recent graduate who DESPERATELY wishes I could return to Indiana University this fall, there are many things I wish I had known when I was still a student. Don't get me wrong, I have no regrets about college. But there is always the "what-if" question that sneaks up when I wonder how much different college would or could have been if I had begun Welcome Week of 2007 knowing what I know now (like not wearing a lanyard around campus). Maybe you'll be willing to take some pointers from someone like me, who fresh out of school and remembers exactly what it's like to be in your spot.
So all you little freshies (or anyone still lucky enough to return to Bloomington in the fall), listen up! Here are the 10 things I wish I knew upon entering college.
1. Try new things
I don't care how vague or obvious this might seem. It is harder than you think to break out of your comfort zone, especially when you are in a new city, trying to make new friends, and build a new life. Whether it is checking out an ethnic restaurant, wearing something you would typically say wasn't your style, or going to a party where you don't know many people, just do it. Even if you end up not liking it, you will always be proud of yourself for giving it a shot. You'd be shocked how many things new things you will add to your diet, how many people compliment your outfit, and how many new friends you will make.
2. Introduce Yourself
There are so many people who stand around texting on their phone, waiting for a friend to arrive. Put your phone in your pocket. Walk up to that cute guy you have class with or the girl who lives down the hall and say hello. It's really not that difficult, and there are only a handful of people in this world rude enough to blatantly ignore you- so the odds of that happening are very slim. There's nothing I enjoyed more than the quick conversations I had just saying hello while waiting for my normal friend group to come meet up with me.
3. Don't turn down an invitation
I know there are lots of things going on, but my favorite part of IU was the fact that there was always something to do and someone to do it with. I know that term papers are overwhelming and there is always a seemingly endless amount of cramming to be done for a big exam. Just take a break and let yourself off the hook for a bit. Now obviously, this is much easier if you're not a procrastinator like me. But in my four years off pushing the envelope on my deadlines and short term memory, I learned that my FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) always got in the way of my productivity anyway. So just go have fun, and worry about your to-do list later. You'll find a way to get it all done.
4. Learn
Pay attention in the classes you actually end up attending. You're sitting there anyway, you might as well get your money's worth (which better be a ton considering tuition prices these days). If you feel like you are going to text the entire time, throw up due to a massive hangover, or fall asleep halfway through the lecture, odds are you probably will. So do yourself a favor and just don't go. Spend your time more wisely and call a friend to catch up, grab some greasy McDonald's fries to settle your stomach, or go take a nice long nap. But the key to making this work is to actually catch up on what you missed. Don't forget to copy notes from a classmate and read the chapter relating to the lecture you missed. (Yes, I actually did buy all my textbooks...and used most of them!)
5. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Bombing one quiz isn't the end of the world, but neither is missing one party. Try not to let the massive web of social and academic obligations get to you. It's college; just enjoy it. Make grades + Make friends = Success. Things worth sweating: Passing your classes, Paying your bills, Staying out of jail.
6. Be Single
I know there are those lucky few who enter college already having found their soul mate. But for the rest of you, don't tie yourself down for no reason. Now, I'm not saying don't date during college or anything. But just make sure that if you know the relationship is going nowhere, you aren't wasting your time, energy, and emotions. There is really something to be said about how much you learn about yourself when you are single. I don't mean to go all Carrie Bradshaw on you, but she did have a point. I grew so much through my relationships, but even more during the times when I was single. And if that's not enough for you, just take a look around. There are so many great (and might I add goodlooking) potentials, so why waste your time on some easily replaceable guy or gal?
7. Drink Responsibly
I know this sounds super pretentious, but I'm serious. Do not mistake me, you should drink (unless that's not your thing, in which case- good for you). But for those of you who do choose to partake in America's favorite college pastime, just be careful. I had many crazy nights (and days), but I always had a few rules for myself. a) When going out make sure you keep good company, see Lauren Spierer case b) Try not to get a drinking ticket cuz I hear those things are a pain in the ass to deal with when it comes to court fees, getting an internship/job, etc. c) Most importantly, remember that there is fun to be had without alcohol- although usually it is much more fun with it.
8. Make Time for your Family
Call your mom and dad. It takes little effort, but means the world to them. And most likely, they are the ones paying for your four years of fun, so just be a nice kid and give them a ring every now and then.
9. Look into Greek Life
Best decision of my life. I know it's not for everyone. Try it out before you have completely turned yourself off of the idea. I never in a million years would have envisioned myself as a "sorority girl", but it became a huge part of me. It gave me a sense of belonging, pride, and sisterhood. Not to mention, it's lots of a fun and a great way to meet people. Just give it a shot.
10. Make Mistakes
This is the time to screw up. Not big time, but college is all about self-improvement. Push yourself and get the most out of these years. They go by SO FAST. But everything has a lesson, so find it in whatever you are doing. Even if that means you will never lay a hand on a tequila bottle again.
"College makes me feel dumb, teaching me all the things I never knew."
Have fun you little youngins, I know you'll do me proud. Go Hoosiers!
