Friday, September 11, 2015

Five on Friday: Dear College Self

Oh, College. Hard to believe that I've been out for five whole years now! Where has the time gone? With every passing year, I ship more students off to universities across the nation, and I drift farther and farther away from my college days. I see my brothers and college-aged friends navigating through the world I left not-so long ago, and it makes me really reflect on what I would tell myself if I could go back and share a little advice. 
Mizzou True Tiger playing guitar
When I Taught Myself Guitar Freshman Year (Thanks, Taylor!)
 So with college football, homecoming, and sorority activities on my mind, here are five things I'd tell my college self: 

1. You think you're super busy, but you'll never have the time you do now.
Yes, I know you've got YoungLife, Theta, school, and various clubs. But trust me, it doesn't really get any better. Enjoy the fact that you can go on a run in the middle of the day, or be outside pretty much any time you aren't in class. Cherish the naps, spontaneous coffee runs, and late night Pokey sticks. Yes, school is important, but take time to play and say yes to fun things, because they're what you will really remember. You've got the rest of your life to have an 8-5 job. Work hard, play hard, and enjoy your freedom.

2. You'll be alone in your standards sometimes, but it will be worth it. And you won't regret it.
College can be kind of wild. People won't always have the same convictions and standards that you do, and that's okay. But don't compromise. Don't give up and give in when it seems like everyone else is. Trust me, there are lots of other folks out there who are just like you, though you may not feel like it. And you will never for one second wish that you did things any differently, promise. Strive to live a life that honors the Lord.

Kappa Alpha Thetas at Mizzou
Sweet Theta Friends
3. Don't worry about boys who aren't worth your time.
Seriously, just don't. They need to pursue and respect you. If you're the one having to decode text messages or trying to find reasons to talk, then they really aren't interested. Sorry girl, but it's true. Once you experience true pursuit, you'll totally get it. And you won't even think twice about those other guys. Also, don't try to force something to work out with nice Christian guys just because they're nice. The right one will come along at the perfect time, just you wait!

4. Enjoy the fact that friendships and community are so effortless right now.
Not to scare you, but it will never be this easy again. You're surrounded by thousands of people your age, and you can choose exactly who you want to spend your time with. In the working world, it's just not that way. Your friends live all over the world, and you have to work to keep in touch. It's you, youngin', and the rest of the world. But this is also a beautiful thing, because you'll make friends with people who are decades older than you, and you'll learn from their wisdom. Just know that friendships will take effort, and there will be a certain level of discomfort as you work to make new buds. (By the way, hang in there. You'll make some really great friends your sophomore year and on. You don't have to be besties with all the people you meet freshman year. Find the ones who like the real you).

Junior Year Roomies. Yes, we all shared one room.
5. Don't blink. 
You'll never believe how fast four years will go. I know it sounds cliche', but I speak truth. The nights that seem full of endless hours of studying or finishing up projects will blend into one big memory called freshman year, then sophomore, then junior. You'll blink your eyes, and the next thing you know, you'll be packing up your room for the very last time, or walking back through the columns with your senior friends. You'll scatter all over the nation, yet still be united with all the others who get your little college references: the REAL Shakespeare's, Big 12's dollar burger dollar fry, the Piano Bar, and good ole' Dirty Dobbs. You'll always be a Tiger, and you've got so many wonderful things ahead of you, but enjoy the college life while you can. You only get to do it once.


Do any of these sound familiar? What would you tell your college self? Join the conversation in the comments below, or become a part of our Facebook community. Happy Friday, friends! 

Currently,
Kelsie



29 comments:

  1. Great list! I just sent the link to my daughters, one a college sophomore and the other a high school senior.

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    1. That's awesome, Jane! Thanks so much for sharing. I really wish I would have known these things ahead of time. Some of it is definitely "learn in the moment" type stuff, but I think having people speak truth into younger folks lives is always a good idea :) Have a wonderful day!

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  2. Love your call to action :) and I really love this list! I'd tell my college to self to say "yes" more. I had a ton of fun in college, but I'd say to take more spontaneous trips to Waffle House, sign up for that random useless-but-fun elective.

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    1. Thanks, Abby! I totally agree- that was my heart for number one. I also had a lot of fun. I worked hard in school, but think that the fun spontaneous moments were some of the very best. Mizzou even had scuba, floral arrangement, and basket-weaving. How fun is that?

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  3. Point number one is speaking straight to my soul! I always thought I was super busy but I didn't realize how much more freedom I had and the fact that I could literally go to the beach with my friends in the middle of the day. Also, the last one! College goes by so fast!

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    1. Oh yay, Adriana!! I'm right there with you. Life only gets busier, and it's not so easy to have random freedom at odd hours of the day (unless you're a teacher and it's summer break!). College does go by so fast...just like all of life really. That's the heart of this blog- to live fully!

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  4. YESSS. Man, I thought I was SO busy in college. What was I thinking?

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    1. Ha, Morgan! I know, right? We trick ourselves into thinking that. But in all actuality, it is a very free time. More than high school and more than life after school. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Yeeesss! Especially #1. I wish I could go back and use all that time I wasted! I'd love to be able to just do, instead of running around.

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    1. Isn't that the truth, Cori? I'm right there with you! Thanks for reading!

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  6. Such a good point about friendship and community! There's nothing like living with your best friends and getting to dine with them everyday. Loved this!

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    1. Thanks so much, Daisy! You are so right. Someday, if you're lucky, you get married and still get to live with your best friend and eat with them daily :) But outside of that, it definitely was a treat having time like that with friends. I miss it!

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  7. I dropped out of college, I just had to many hard things going on in my life at the time. I think I'd tell myself now that it was going to be ok.... Life was hard, but it was going to be ok.

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    1. Making the decision that's best for you is really what is most important. I think your words are very wise- that life is hard sometimes but it's always going to be okay :) Thanks for sharing your story and your heart.

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  8. I can definitely relate to some of these, especially the one about time. I remember LOVING my free schedule in college. Long mornings to myself before class, lunch dates with friends every day, free afternoons and evenings...I miss it so much!

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    1. I miss it so much too, Lauren! You are so right: free time, lunch dates, outdoor adventures....those were pretty sweet days :)

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  9. Wow this is so on point!! I wish I could go back a tell myself these things when I was in college!
    www.thenannysaga.wordpress.com

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    1. Thanks so much- I agree, I think it would have helped resolve some issues on my life and made me appreciate a bit more :) Thanks for stopping by.

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  10. These are great points. Thanks so much for sharing this post with us #justanotherlinky

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    1. Well thanks so much, Bethan! I had a great time linking up and reflecting on my college days.

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  11. What a beautiful post and great bit of advice to young women. I am visiting you today from #justanotherlinky.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words! They are much appreciated. Glad you stopped by!

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  12. Great tips! Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky xx

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  13. Awesome post!
    Love all the true words! I tried so hard to tell this to high schoolers, but just like when I was their age I wouldn't fully listen!!!
    I would include study abroad to the list. It was such an impactful opportunity, in so many ways! I didn't think I would have time with classes & nursing school, but I took 4 weeks in the summer & still had an absolutely wonderful experience!!!
    Oh and I'm so glad that I had great friends, like you, that had great morals & great times together!!!!
    Much love,
    T

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    1. Thanks, T! I know what you mean, there's something about kids just having to learn. I wish I would have studied abroad, after our amazing trip to Europe (and the travel bug that followed). I'm sure you had an absolute blast! I'm thankful for amazing friends like you as well, especially the ones that helped show me the way :) Love you!

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  14. Thanks so much for sharing! Lots of thanks for this post.I think it is a very good post. It helps us many away. So many many thanks for this article.

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