Everyone always says that high school doesn’t prepare you enough for the real world and boy is everyone right. And, no I don’t mean just cooking, cleaning, organization, and basic financials. I am talking a deeper level of life skills not everyone likes to think about. After 3 years of college these are some things that I learned how to conquer during my time at my university.
Work hard but don’t overwork.
Take it from me who was money hungry and motivated to build my resume. I would not change the jobs that I had or the experience I gained, but I would work a little less than the work load I gave myself. I was working 3 jobs and had 18 hours of college that wasn’t allowing me to actually enjoy my experience there. Learn the boundaries of making your bills and overworking to break your back. I never learned until I graduated and I wish I would have learned sooner.
Value your education.
This comes from the last topic. I worked so much I never actually valued my education. I also went in with a horrible mindset of “just get the degree because in today’s society you need it.” Because of that, I was never actually invested in school. I was just there because it was the norm. Now 3 years later and 2 degrees earned, I feel like I came out with the same knowledge I started. One great thing I have going for me is my education doesn’t stop with my diplomas. I continue to educate myself each and every day and I value my education now more than ever because I know this isn’t the end for me.
Be precautious about friendships.
Not all friends are best friends and not all acquaintances have to be friends. I loved all of my people in college, but after time I realized not all of them were worthy of my full attention. Sometimes I would value toxic people over people who had been there with me from the beginning. Now, I know better and could not be more thankful for the people I kept around.
Being straightforward *and sometimes blunt* gets you more respect than being the door mat.
Holding several executive positions in two different organizations taught me this one. It was actually the hardest to learn, if I am honest. Sugar coating things doesn’t help people grow and accept and being their friend when you are the authority opens the door for lack of respect and stress on your part. Don’t be a b****, but don’t lose your ground. Stand it, and stand it tall.
Be grateful for your opportunities and each day presented to you.
Attending a college that had endless opportunities, I knew I was the determining factor of my own success. The opportunities are there, you just have to find them and take them for yourself. I took extracurriculars that were a dream of mine. I was a President of an online publisher. I spoke on the schools radio station for a semester. I held numerous executive positions in my sorority. I went to Europe with some amazing people and then became a spokesperson for my time abroad. I graduated with two degrees. And now, I have the stories I dreamed to have for my future children. Your alma mater is there to push you to the brightest future possible, if you allow it to. Mine taught me to “Strive for Honor” and I haven’t stopped striving ever since.
Yes, I learned to clean my house on a regular basis and to not let my laundry pile to the point you can’t see over it. However, college gave me so much more than that. It taught me to be a kind, hardworking, and motivated human being. Hopefully, I can soon share that with society and be an important role in today’s generation.
This has been your daily dose of Vitamin C!