Three Lessons I’ve Learned in My First Semester of College
By: Corinne Ulmer
Tags: NYC, College Life, Secrets, New York, College

Although I have not been in college for a long amount of time, I definitely feel as though I’ve learned skills that will stick with me forever. I know this is a cliche but I still feel that it is important to share experiences with others in order to help others learn from your experience. Here are three things I’ve learned in no particular order.

1. You Will Blossom (But You Have to Let it Happen)

Everyone always says that your time in college is when you will “find yourself” and this can be true, but only if you let it. It is not something that can be forced or sought out. You need to just let your true self shine. This is something that will happen authentically and naturally. When I moved into college I was a girl simply excited to be in NYC. I did not know that I would completely change and evolve into the person that I was meant to be in a short four months. I have never felt so free and alive. I have become the free spirit that I have always imagined myself as. I feel confident, happy, and secure in who I am and I am very proud of that. You will blossom as well if you take in every moment and express thankfulness to the universe and all of the things you are offered.

2. Friendliness is SO Important

When I moved in it was during “Welcome Week”, so I had many opportunities to meet people from my school who were also just looking for people that they identify with. I met my best friend at college through an event where a bunch of freshmen signed up to visit Central Park. She then invited me out the next day to go take pictures in Times Square and we have talked pretty much every day since then. When I was hanging out with her in her dorm is when I met my friend group. People showed up to the door asking who we were and if we wanted to go around and meet some new people, of course, we were hesitant at first but I’m so glad we ended up saying yes. If we did not say yes we would have never met our best friends who we see every single weekend and do homework multiple times a week with, not to mention I would not have met my boyfriend who I am so happy with. Friendliness is key to making the most of your college experience. Remember when you first move in everyone is looking for the same thing, connection, which is why it is so important to be friendly to everyone you meet because there is no reason to be afraid.

3. Overall, You Are in College to LEARN

This is something that I forget myself because it is so easy to get caught up in the social aspect of college. There is a reason you need to work hard in high school to go to college. This is because you go to college to figure out what you want to do for your career. It is also important to remember that college is (excuse my language) fucking expensive. Do not let your money or your parents' money go to waste by spending all your time socializing and no time on your academics. That is not to say that finding people is not important, I mean look at #2, obviously, it is important. But balance is the real key here. Once you find the balance, college will be so much more enjoyable, and you will be much more successful.