What I Wish I Had Done In College College was only six months ago. Yet I’ve already started thinking about what I wish I had done, or didn’t do, or could have done . . . Now fortunately, I don’t have many regrets, so you won’t read this and become continuously more depressed. This is no rant. This is simply why I freaking loved college and what would have made it a tiny bit better.
Be decisive First of all, I took my sweet time picking a major. Most people were like, “Hey, get a move on! Stop being so wishy-washy.” But these were the people who switched majors every other week and were getting no farther ahead than me. They were also more cynical and depressed about school life. Me? I was doing fine! I was enjoying all of my classes, having fun exploring and (don’t worry) working hard on finding the perfect fit for me. Some of my favorite classes were the ones I took to explore options: History, European Studies, Music, and foreign language classes. The rest of my favorite classes were my major classes. I was a pretty happy camper.
Enjoy every minute Second, I decided that I shouldn’t limit myself in my studies. So I applied for and was granted permission to do a double major. That’s right. I chose two loves. And I kept on a few hobbies (sports club and music classes) just to stay well rounded and having fun. People might look on critically and say, “You must have wasted so much time! You need to grow up and prepare for life.” Not true. I graduated in the same amount of time as most other people do. I just worked extra hard (which I think qualifies as preparing for life). But I also enjoyed every minute. Besides, really. There is no need to rush! What will rushing get you? A lot of regrets. And a huge mid-life crisis. And maybe and ulcer. In an additional attempt to not limit myself, I sprang for a couple of study abroads. They were the best decisions I ever. Everyone needs to escape their culture and immerse themselves in another. Learn to speak someone else’s language, eat the way they do, dress the way they do, and consider their points of view with an accepting and open mind. You will learn more about life and this world that you never ever could from a classroom (not to mention having the time of your life traveling, playing, and taking easy, but fascinating classes). It’s true that going on a study abroad is expensive. But I worked hard and funded myself twice. So can you!
Friendships My regrets. They are few, but everyone has them. I wish I’d been more vocal in classes. I wish I’d gotten to know more classmates better. Classroom friendships can be great if you let them. And that is all of my regrets. All college students attending Colleges in St. George to St. Louis can enjoy fun, fruitful, and priceless years of higher education. Don’t let the pressures overwhelm the joys. Have a great 4 years! Photocredit: accurateleads, ccsf, flickr