In the summer of 2015 I was packing my things while blasting EDM at high volume. I thought I was a cool kid, moving up from Las Vegas to Reno, Nevada for my first semester in college. My parents were on my nerves every day, my sister seemed like an itch I couldn't eradicate and my love life was vulnerable with the prospect of long distance. It wasn't until my first day of college that the transition into adulthood really hit me, and, as the years tapered on I was starting to feel like I couldn't do it. I was going to fail in my mind and I almost lost faith in myself to push through my last two semesters.
But, here I am, one spring and fall session away from a degree and I'm proud I made it through. I didn't get here by myself and there are several Tips that helped me end up where I am.
Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone
My saving grace Freshman Year was the fact that I joined marching band. I had a little family away from home sharing the same interests of jamming tunes and nighttime adventures, and for months I felt at ease. I was finally free, in my own niche.
However, the days of joy began to die as my favorite holiday came to pass. Halloween for me is amazing because dressing up and free candy is heaven on earth, and as a goody-goody who never partied before, I was unfamiliar with the activity.
I spent the night in my dark Dorm Room crying in my pillow because, for the first time that year I was alone.
Despite my hatred for parties I wish I had stepped out and gone to a party with friends and enjoyed some dressed up company because college is not the same as high school sometimes and it's not necessarily a bad thing.
Go out, go dancing, attend a school play, get together or sorority concert. Meet new people and grow closer to those you know. Hiding away in your dorm room is nice sometimes for "you time" but you could be missing out on a great night.
Don't rush into a job
I never like to admit it often but my dad is a smart man who is often right about choices I make while in college.
My freshman year I was not allowed to get a job so that I could learn how college rolled for me and make sure I could balance what was being tossed my way. While I wished I could've been making money that year, my last two years here I've had two separate jobs and keeping my grades up while also working closing shift to midnight wasn't an easy task.
I almost failed two classes in the fall of 2017 because I had so much on my plate. I'm happy I have a job to earn money for rent and other fun things, but I had to learn the hard way that scheduling yourself to make extra bank isn't always the best idea. Take your time, get to know college, get to know your own study habits, and focus on school first.
Take time for yourself
I'm the first to admit I'm a social person. I love to be around others, talking, going to movies and dinners, all that jazz is right up my alley, but sometimes I got lost. I lost who I was and what my values were so I could impress the people around me, and I broke within myself. I was unhappy, depressed, and lonely. I was angry at the world and at myself for falling into this abyss of self-hate and darkness. Reading myself a book, going to a horse ranch, shopping alone, even just watching TV away from the noise of the world helped heal me day by day. I still struggle being alone, but I love having some "me time" too.
College can be daunting, but it's a life-changing experience that I'm better off for.
