I entered my freshman year of college as an innocent girl who had just been dumped by her first boyfriend. I was 18 and naive of how the world actually worked. I had only ever gotten drunk a couple of times and had no knowledge of anything other than Raspberry Rubinoff. This redhead was not prepared for anything besides classes that year. Regardless of readiness or not, the world came faster than I could handle– at least, I thought.
As I start my Senior year, I look back on all that I have done. Three years later and the smell of Rubinoff alone can make my stomach churn. My choice of drink is a white wine and an IPA is a close second. Not only have my tastebuds changed, but I am growing into who I am as a human being. I’ve experienced a lot in my 21 years: heartbreak, hangovers, loss of family and friends, a multitude of jobs that required a sh*t-ton of patience, and a lot of other vague shit that you can probably relate to since it is so abstract.
College is the perfect time to discover yourself. Finding yourself involves a balance between who you are and who you want to become in a realistic manner. It’s a constant struggle that most people will battle and overcome silently. And that’s the beauty of it, that we become our own person that we like on our own. Well, it’s not all on your own. People come into our lives for reasons that teach us lessons that we can learn and grow from. That guy that broke your heart led to you realizing that you are completely on your own. The falling out with your friend helps you realize who you want to have as a friend and who you don’t. I have found the perfect balance in friendships: people who support you but give it to you straight. They might not always agree with you, and that is a good thing! You want someone who will tell you when you’re being an idiot and when you are being a genius.
Finding yourself doesn’t just happen overnight, it can take a lifetime. It involves learning to please yourself instead of always trying to please others and putting your needs before others sometimes. The most important part is learning to live up to your own expectations instead of others. Learning that your life is your own life and doing what you want with it is the most magical and rewarding knowledge you can gain.
So as you enter your ______ year of school keep yourself open to new experiences and opportunities for growth. College is the best place to start discovering who you are! You are young and on your own. It’s the only time in our lives we can get away with being so selfish by just focusing on ourselves and what we want to do with our time on earth. Spending time on yourself, for yourself, is the best investment we can make, besides an education. So, while in college be excited to find out who you really are by doing new things!