What I Learned In College…That Had Nothing To Do with My Degree
I graduated college earlier this month— wow, this still feels strange to say. As my time in college was wrapping up and throughout this past month, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my experience as a college student. While I still have so much more to figure out in life, I did learn a thing or two along the way and thought I’d share a few of these lessons.
Here are 7 things I learned in college… that had nothing to do with my degree:
1. All You Have Is Now
One of the biggest changes I’ve made since my freshman year is the conscious effort I make to stay present. I’ve been aware of my tendency to ruminate about the past or forecast into the future for a long time. However, I didn’t start to actively redirect these thoughts by focusing on the present until I got to college. The truth is that life is only available in the present moment. By constantly thinking about what comes next, whether its “where will I be in 10 years” or “what am I having for dinner tomorrow,” I miss out on the life happening in that moment. It is a work in progress, but I’ve made a point not to let life pass me by because I am too caught up in what is next or what just happened. While it is good to reflect and prepare, learning from the past/planning for the future is different from obsessing over it.
2. Boundaries Are Important
College campuses are filled with so many places to go, people to see, and things to do. However, with only 24 hours in a day, you just can’t go everywhere, see everyone, and do everything. I ultimately learned that trying to do everything and please everyone was not only impossible but very stressful. In comes, setting boundaries. While I haven’t mastered this area either, I have become much better with boundary-setting since starting college. If you are also working on improving this ability, a helpful reminder for me was that you aren’t letting anyone down by protecting your peace.
3. Get Dressed Everyday
This may not be the case for everyone, but for me, when I look good, I feel good. Ever since the lockdown, I’ve realized just how much getting dressed impacts my day. Getting up a little earlier, putting on a nice outfit, doing my hair, and applying a little makeup magically puts me in a better mood and makes me feel prepared to take on the day.
4. Your Workspace Matters
I also learned that finding a space to do work and school outside of my room/house is important. For me, this workspace was the business school and a few of the local coffee shops. These spots became my home away from home. Getting out of the house and fixing myself in one of my favorite work spots benefited my productivity as well as my mood by connecting me with people I wouldn’t otherwise cross paths with.
5. You Can’t Do Everything… And That’s Okay
During my junior year, I took on a lot of things which evidently turned out to be too many. I was balancing a job working for a sales firm, position as an executive board member for my sorority, and role in three clubs; all the while trying to manage my studies and social life. I had stretched myself too thin. I couldn’t do everything I wanted to do and maintain a real quality of life, so something had to give. This taught me that things becoming too difficult to manage is likely a sign that you need to drop something. You can’t everything all at once and it’s okay.
6. It’s Okay to Ask For Help
I used to think I had to do everything on my own. Whenever I could help it, I avoided going to other people for help out of fear of bothering them. Slowly but surely, I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, sometimes reaching out to someone for help ends up being even more helpful to them than you. People feel a sense of purpose and value when they’re able to help others. While it takes guts to be vulnerable in asking for help, this vulnerability is a strength that generates many benefits.
7. You Are Stronger Than You Think
Last but not least, I learned that I am stronger than I think. Throughout the last four years, every time I faced an obstacle that made me question if I would be able to overcome it, I always did. And I will continue to overcome whatever I am faced with in the future.
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