Chapter Sixty-Nine: What We Wish We Knew Before College

Lately, life has seemed to just fly right by. Tests keep coming up, among other things, and I find it hard to sometimes take time and write a little bit. I'm not going to lie, writing a blog post takes me hours...Although it's a seemingly-long process, I always enjoy writing, especially when people are willing to listen to me.

I've prepared a different kind of blog post today. This is for the high school seniors (and others who might find this useful). I hold many high schoolers close to my heart, and I know your time in high school is drawing to a close. It's scary, but exciting. You're on the brink of new adventures and experiences, and that's just the beginning! 

So, in light of this, I have gathered some helpful advice from people you may or may not know. Whatever the case may be, I hope you can learn something from these people. Always know that you are not alone. Without futher ado, here is What We Wish We Knew Before College...

"I wish I knew how college was set up. It would have been nice for someone to have sat down with me and told me how midterms and finals worked and how classes were set up."

Kimberly, University of Saint Thomas Aquinas

"Try your best in school, but don’t forget to have fun! I think that was one thing we forgot sometimes… Going out and trying new things are great because you may not have a chance later.

Try to meet and get to know the people around you. Sometimes it seems pointless to try to get to know someone you might not see after that year, but you never know; you could make a life friend out of somebody you went to school with but never hung out with until senior year. Don’t waste time on negative people. Try to find people that make you smile, laugh (because that makes you live longer, anyway) and especially people that actually care about you.

All in all, don’t stress so much because life is a lot more fun when you relax and enjoy the ups and downs!"

Victoria, University of North Texas

"I wish I would've known how small I'd feel. How big of a change it is. I wish someone would've told me that it wouldn't be easy, by any means, and that it’s a big step in becoming an adult. Basically warned me about the change, and the stress; getting accepted is only half the struggle."

Kelsea, Tarleton State University

"There is plenty of help, just ask. You SHOULD ask for help. They get paid by your tuition to be there for you!"

Mary Anne, Current High School Teacher - Seeking Masters

"Stay organized! Write down all of the due dates for projects and dates for exams in your planner or on your calendar right when you get your syllabus.  Often you will have multiple exams or projects due the same week, so writing them down early will help you stay organized and on top of things. You don't want a big test to sneak up on you!"

Sarah, Texas Tech University

"I wish I knew that I'd need more hangers. I don't like buying new hangers because I have so many at home. Oh, and water is actually a necessity. Dehydration is a thing.

And don’t be intimidated by all the choices of ice cream flavors. You’ll have enough of “those nights” to try them all."

Mary, Texas Tech University

"Your best friend may be super awesome, but they're not always the most awesome roommate!"

Cydney, Stephen F. Austin State University

"Since I'm always doing homework/studying or working, I hardly have free time for friends and when I do I'd rather spend it watching shows or videos. But when I do hang out with friends, it's weird, like, 'So this is what socializing is?'"

Martin, Angelina College

"I wish I knew that being different is not only okay, but it distinguishes you as a student. For example, I came to A&M with little to no friends and I was completely okay with that! However, during Gig ‘Em week, I noticed that EVERYBODY liked country and I also noticed that it wasn’t like home. Most of the population was white, and to be honest I was intimidated at first, but that's okay. I quickly made friends, and being the only Mexican in the group I became the center of attention. These people wanted to know EVERYTHING about me, it was ridiculous. Anyway, those kids are now my best friends and one of them has agreed to be my best man someday...So there. Being different is swog." 

Jose, Texas A&M University

"You need colorful decorations for walls! My walls are so plain; I still haven’t done anything to them. It makes it look nice.

Make sure you get here for Welcome Week! Free T-shirts, free food, free friends (it gets harder to make friends)…Don’t skip out!

For future Red Raiders…Bring rain boots!! Something, anything that fights off that water. Don’t take English 1302 here! GO TO THE FOOTBALL GAMES AND WRECK ‘EM!" 

Kathleen, Texas Tech Univeristy

"That comparing your college experience to others' college experience will get you nowhere. Wherever you're at, you're fine."

Courtney, Baylor University

"Don’t go in with the expectation that you are going to be best friends with your roommate(s). However, on the off chance that you are, don’t be afraid to let them into your life. They can be the one thing that keeps your life together and makes sure that you keep your spirits high." 

Jenny, Texas Tech University

"First off, I wish I knew that being scared is totally okay. I had no idea that every other freshman I knew was just as scared as I was. It took me a long time to get comfortable in my own skin here.

Secondly, I wish I knew that it was okay to be my own person. In high school I spent so much time trying to hold up the image of who people thought I was as opposed to who I actually was. I wish I knew that when I first got here people wouldn't be interested in what other people thought of me back home. That was a bit of a harder transition because I went to a college so close to home, but I got out of that mindset, thankfully.

Lastly, I wish I knew that college is what you make it. If you only focus on your grades or only focus on your social life you're going to have a hard time adjusting. There's so much out there and so much to see and do and experience, and you don't have anyone there to guide you and it is just such an interesting time in my life. I'm trying to keep myself busy and still experience the world past high school and so far it's great. It's challenging, but a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."

Jacob, Stephen F. Austin State University

"I wish I knew for a fact that I was going to end up wanting to transfer to UT."

Scott, University of North Texas

"Take time to study. Bring a Brita. Don’t be afraid to meet new people. Get involved in some way, even if it is just a small group. You will become a professional at 12 minute naps. If you get a bad grade, don’t give up. Freshman 15 is a real thing.

You’re going to miss little things you never thought you would like animal fur on your clothes or real food or just simply watching TV on your couch (because I never have time for that anyway). Appreciate everything.

Come into college with an open mind; you’ll have a lot of new ideas thrown at you. You don’t have to believe everything, but it’s important to see all the different views of the world." 

Bailey Pittman, Texas Tech University

"Don't fail."

Lorenzo, North Lake College

"I wish I had known how important it is to take care of yourself." 

Madelaine, Texas A&M University

"I wish I had picked a different roommate; and by picking another roommate, I mean NOT PICKING ONE ONLINE. But instead, finding a mutual friend or something like that."

Caityln, Baylor University

"Even if you had great friendships in high school, you'll still meet your bridesmaids in college.

Black coffee starts to taste better because it's better at keeping you awake.

Nothing on campus is open 24/7. 

Eat before midnight or get ready for an adventure for food at 4 am.

BRING RAIN BOOTS AN UMBRELLA AND A JACKET. YOU’RE WALKING TO CLASS.

You'll learn more from the people around you than the people in your class.

Sometimes showers aren't worth it. You could be studying. Buy some dry shampoo.

You're going to change. Go with it."

Corinne, Texas A&M University

"Sleep matters."

Daniel, North Lake College

"Try your best to give yourself plenty of breathing room with assignments, and don't be afraid to talk to the professor about the class. Oh, and be on his or her good side"

Kelly, Stephen F. Austin State University

"Know that it's okay to fail sometimes because it causes the most growth and learn to love yourself & others for as they are, & nothing more."

Bunky, University of North Texas

“Hug your parents too much and love on your animals so that you end up covered in their fur. Keep texting and calling the people you care about. Be open to make new friends and new discoveries. Don’t let fear rule your life. Making decisions on your own is hard, but essential. Use. Your. Resources. And most importantly, never, never, never give up.”