I wonder what was going through my head 54 days after I started college, four and some years ago. Probably that I would be some multi-lingual diplomat making waves in the world in four years. Well, it's crazy how far life takes you throughout college. I think it's important to acknowledge the changes that I've gone through over these past five years...college is just one of those times in your life you'll never get back, no matter how insignificant those moments seem while they're happening.
Well, I started college living in a shared dorm room with a roommate I hated and a head full of possibilities. I wanted to experience things, I wanted to have a life of my own. Throughout my college career, the memories that mean the most to me by far are those in which I went out by myself and discovered the world. I love that. I love learning, and I don't think I learned as much sitting in classes as I did just by living. In these years, I've been to Switzerland, Kenya, Israel, Germany (three times!) all throughout Europe, to Florida quite a few times, to New York, around Wisconsin, to Chicago, to Denver, to San Francisco, to Seattle. I've been to dark corners of my mind, thinking obsessive and sad thoughts. I've been high on mountains, emotionally and physically, I've made friends, I've lost contact with others. I've kept the ones that matter the most. I've connected with people, I've had brief encounters, I've changed people's lives and so many people have changed mine. I've partied all night, but studied all night too. I've worked at restaurants, labs, nursing homes, at grocery stores, in people's homes. I got a tattoo and a couple piercings. I've had a Razr, Android, and an iPhone. I conquered the Disney Half Marathon! I went from living in that shared dorm room to my own (in a German speaking community!) then lived with roommates in a crappy apartment that we hated, but what turned out to be two of the best years of my life. I've lived on a different continent in a dorm room with a sink and orange curtains (two rooms with sinks!) I've lived in a large apartment in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Madison. In my dad's basement, in Shaina's old bedroom. The places I've felt most at home weren't always even the ones I was paying rent for. I shared a radio show with one of my best friends. I've gone through four majors, many difficult decisions, and countless stressful exams that I can bet you money that I couldn't pass again. I've made some poor romantic decisions, but none of which I regret, because had I not made them, I wouldn't have learned from them.
Looking back, I couldn't have asked for more in college. I pursued what I wanted to, I've had experiences that I wouldn't trade for the world. I've made friends I'll have for life and learned so much about myself. I'm so grateful that I've gotten this grace period into adulthood and I'm excited for what the next years bring for me.
So, to myself starting college, I would say: Don't worry. Experience as much as possible. You'll be fine, you'll graduate with two majors and a boyfriend. Let life take you where it will.
In 54 days when I walk across that stage, I will feel no regret, I'll feel accomplished and happy, but more about my own accomplishments than about my academic ones. I feel like I'm almost glad I didn't know it would turn out so well, just so I could try as much as possible to get it to work out just right. The perfect storm.
Well, I started college living in a shared dorm room with a roommate I hated and a head full of possibilities. I wanted to experience things, I wanted to have a life of my own. Throughout my college career, the memories that mean the most to me by far are those in which I went out by myself and discovered the world. I love that. I love learning, and I don't think I learned as much sitting in classes as I did just by living. In these years, I've been to Switzerland, Kenya, Israel, Germany (three times!) all throughout Europe, to Florida quite a few times, to New York, around Wisconsin, to Chicago, to Denver, to San Francisco, to Seattle. I've been to dark corners of my mind, thinking obsessive and sad thoughts. I've been high on mountains, emotionally and physically, I've made friends, I've lost contact with others. I've kept the ones that matter the most. I've connected with people, I've had brief encounters, I've changed people's lives and so many people have changed mine. I've partied all night, but studied all night too. I've worked at restaurants, labs, nursing homes, at grocery stores, in people's homes. I got a tattoo and a couple piercings. I've had a Razr, Android, and an iPhone. I conquered the Disney Half Marathon! I went from living in that shared dorm room to my own (in a German speaking community!) then lived with roommates in a crappy apartment that we hated, but what turned out to be two of the best years of my life. I've lived on a different continent in a dorm room with a sink and orange curtains (two rooms with sinks!) I've lived in a large apartment in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Madison. In my dad's basement, in Shaina's old bedroom. The places I've felt most at home weren't always even the ones I was paying rent for. I shared a radio show with one of my best friends. I've gone through four majors, many difficult decisions, and countless stressful exams that I can bet you money that I couldn't pass again. I've made some poor romantic decisions, but none of which I regret, because had I not made them, I wouldn't have learned from them.
Looking back, I couldn't have asked for more in college. I pursued what I wanted to, I've had experiences that I wouldn't trade for the world. I've made friends I'll have for life and learned so much about myself. I'm so grateful that I've gotten this grace period into adulthood and I'm excited for what the next years bring for me.
So, to myself starting college, I would say: Don't worry. Experience as much as possible. You'll be fine, you'll graduate with two majors and a boyfriend. Let life take you where it will.
In 54 days when I walk across that stage, I will feel no regret, I'll feel accomplished and happy, but more about my own accomplishments than about my academic ones. I feel like I'm almost glad I didn't know it would turn out so well, just so I could try as much as possible to get it to work out just right. The perfect storm.
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