5 Tips to Actually Enjoy College

I am officially only weeks from graduating college and that is exciting and terrifying and amazing all at the same time. I know I sound like every other college graduate, but I seriously cannot believe it's already been four years. It feels like it flew by!

Since I am about to graduate, I guess I can finally consider myself an expert on college. Okay, maybe not an expert. But I surivived college and that's gotta count for something right? So if you're about to head to college, or a few years in trying to make the best of it, here are some of the things that made the experience most enjoyable for me:

1. Choosing classes I loved

Sometimes you have to take a science class because it's required, even if the last thing you want to do is sign up to for a science class. But the beautiful thing about college is that you can find a class that'll interest you in almost any subject. For me, that meant taking geology instead of something like chemistry because I've always loved the colors of minerals and the patterns of different kinds of rock (I used to sit in that class so fascinated at all God's created). Yeah, I still had to learn things that I wasn't particularly passionate about like fault lines and earthquake scales, but the fact that there was something that did fascinate me made it much more enjoyable.

I did the same thing for my required performing arts credit. Theater is so not my thing, but I found a class that combined acting with creative writing. And of course, I love creative writing. That was one of the best classes I took during my college career. It put me a little out of my comfort zone during the times that we did have to act in front of everyone, but I loved getting to write and share my stories. Finding classes that interest you make those required subjects so much more bearable.

2. Finding "a spot" on campus

My campus is pretty big and there's a lot of places you can stop to read or study. But there's something to be said about finding a consistent place that can be "your spot." For me, it used to be on a bench in front of a large fountain where I'd sit and read my Message Bible. When the weather got too cold I switched to a study carrel in the library, and I seriously had some of my best memories there. That tiny little room with its desk allowed me to really read and study the Bibe for myself like I never had before.

The point is, it's so important to find a place that can be a constant for you because that'll make it easier for you to stick to whatever you're trying to use it for. Because I had that same bench and desk, it felt wrong not to stop by there at my usual time. And that kept me going back again and again. Even if your campus is smaller, you can still find a place to call your spot. Use it for what you think you most need right now, whether it be a study spot, a place to read your Bible, or just a place to relax and unwind.

3. Exploring my campus

I honestly wish I'd done this one a little bit more, because there are still some buildings on campus I've never even been into! College campuses are like tiny cities. You can choose to stay in your area of the neighborhood or you can explore where those strange art kids hang out every now and then (I kid, I kid. Art kids are awesome). One of my classes actually took a tour around campus a few weeks ago and we got to see the different architecture of each building and even walk into a few. It was a really neat experience and taught me that the long walks are worth it for a change of atmosphere. So wander around, even if you get a little lost. It's always worth it.

4. Learning to Quit

In my third year of college I decided to do something that went totally against "my nature." I signed up for a rigorous sales program though I hated the thought of cold calls and had never made one before. But since I'm all up for adventure and challenges, I thought maybe it'd be fun. It was... interesting. To be honest, it was probably the most challenging thing I've ever done in my life. It wasn't so much about the cold calling, but the fear of failure I had to learn to face.

After one incredibly intense semester, I only had one more left to complete the program. But I really, really didn't want to. That program had stressed me out so much, had made me feel tired and stressed and constantly worried. Yet I also did not want to quit because that seemed like it'd be the greatest failure of all. But after weeks of back-and-forth, I accepted that it was time to move on. And I haven't regretted it since. Yes, quitting is usually not a good thing. But I learned that sometimes it's okay. Sometimes you have to look at your life and be honest about what you can and can't handle. And you have to give yourself the freedom not to live your life wracked with guilt and shame. Don't ever think you've gone too far down a bad road to turn back. At the end of the day, you have to do what is best for your health and your heart. And that's okay.

5. Showing up to Class

Yes, seriously- just showing up to class. I'll end with this one because while it should be obvious, I've also fallen into the oh-I'll-just-skip-class-this-one-time trap several times... But even though in some classes you can get away with just reading the book and studying the material to get your grade, you're essentially missing out on the rest of what you paid for. Yes, there are some classes where all you get back is the same material from the book practically verbatim. But there are others where going to class makes what you've read on paper come to life.

Professors are usually where they are for a reason. They know what they're talking about, and they know how it applies to the real world. Going to class lets you see that, lets you learn from their experience. Class is also where you can meet people who, who knows, might even become your good friends later in life. Go to class, guys. I promise you'll be better for it.

What made college better for you?

#2015 #life