Lessons Learned: Halfway through College
If you told me two years ago I would be where I am now, I wouldn’t have believed you.
Adjusting to college isn’t as easy as it seems on Instagram. Being halfway through my time at Auburn, I’ve had time to think about things I wish I would have done differently, and things I still want to do.
I started my college journey in August 2017 and was lucky to find a solid group of friends right off the bat. Yet, I still struggled with taking classes, being homesick, adjusting to dorm life, and blowing through $1,000 of Tiger Card money before mid-October.
Looking back, there are just a couple things I wish I would’ve done differently.
Don’t take yourself so seriously
No one cares what you’re wearing to class or who you’re hanging out with. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. Life is more fun when you don’t take yourself so seriously.
Learn to ask for help when you need it
Whether it’s your professors or friends, they’re always there to give you a hand. I always had a problem asking for help. To me, it felt like I was letting people know I was struggling. As I’ve moved through college, I’ve realized how lucky I am to have people around me who are so willing to help. Showing others that you’re struggling isn’t a bad thing; you grow as a person and form closer relationships with those around you.
Quizlet will help you through anything
I honestly cannot tell you why it took me so long to realize that Quizlet is the very best friend you could ask for. Please, try it if you haven’t yet (this is not an ad, it’s just that great). My personal form of studying freshman year was opening my textbook, staring at the page for about five minutes, then closing my book and telling myself I was prepared for the test. Spoiler: I wasn’t. On Quizlet, you can create your own study sets and even study flashcards others have made. Making study sets is usually not that time consuming, and it helps you get familiar with material before you start STUDYING studying.
Attend office hours
Going to office hours always seemed so intimidating to me when it really shouldn’t have been. Your teachers are there to help you. Let them. They can help you understand the material, and they might even become a mentor. If it means getting to know someone with experience in the field you’re studying and potentially getting a higher grade on your next test, go for it. It really can’t do any harm.
Live in the moment
I needed to learn to stop waiting for breaks and just take advantage of the now. During the football season, I was always waiting for the next game. Every Monday, I was wishing for Saturday. Every January, I was wishing for June. Wishing for the future takes away from your present. Every once in a while, take a look around you and appreciate where you are in that very moment.
Luckily, I still have two more years here on The Plains, so I have plenty of time to do all the things I want to accomplish.
Climb the wall at The Rec
It’s right there, so why not? Also, I never know when I’ll be within walking distance to a two-story rock wall ever again. The rock wall is one of the many amenities Auburn has to offer that I take for granted.
Become a Group Fit instructor at The Rec
How fun would it be to teach a workout class as your job? I’ve always loved going to Group Fit classes at the Rec, so I can only imagine how fun it would be to teach one myself.
Try all of Auburn’s downtown restaurants
From Fusion to Arigato and Pita Pit, I want to give them all a try! All of these restaurants are steps from Auburn’s campus, which makes it easy to go between classes. I know I’m currently ballin’ on a budget, so this one will definitely take me a while to complete.
Go to more sporting events (other than football)
These games are (apparently) just as fun to attend, and the players appreciate the support. They’re free and provide a chill atmosphere anyone would enjoy. If I’m lucky, I might even see Aubie!
Watch the sunrise at Smith Mountain Fire Tower
Yes, I would have to wake up extra early, but the Insta pics would be worth it. If you’re anything like me, watching the sunrise is good for the soul. It’s therapeutic and starts your day off right.
Above all, I want to appreciate my time in Auburn while I still can. I want to take time to chill on Samford Lawn, hike in Chewacla, drink a Toomer’s Lemonade, and soak in all things Auburn while I still can.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Abbey C.
Bridget was raised on a little island off the coast of Georgia called St. Simons. After changing her major a total of five times, she has finally found her place in public relations and marketing. She hopes to use her degree in the fashion or travel industry. When she is not at The Rec taking a Group Fit class or in the marketing office, you can find her watching reruns of any Bravo reality show or hanging out with friends.
After graduation, Bridget hopes to travel the world, move to a big city, and adopt a cat. She’s obsessed with anything pop-culture related and loves to keep up with her favorite Instagram account, CatsofInstagram.
