Wednesday, April 23, 2014

22

In honor of my 22nd birthday, which is this Friday, April 25th, I want to share 22 things that I've learned from my undergraduate experience at Jackson State University, which will come to an end on May 3rd.

1. Meet new people. This is kind of inevitable unless you live under a rock, but whether you go to a community college or 4 year institution, there are always new people to talk to.

2. Don't be so serious. Of course you're in college to get an education, but at the same time, this is COLLEGE!!! The stuff you do here, you will more than likely NEVER be able to do again. Find a happy medium between "I can't leave my room. I have so much work to do," and "F*** this work! TURN UP".

3. Your school has amenities...USE THEM! There is a freaking gym on campus...GO!!! When you graduate college a gym membership might not be that affordable, so go now...for FREE! Use the things your campus provides for you.

4. B-U-D-G-E-T. There are always lots of things going on or around campus that you may want to partake in, but FIRST check your finances. Plan out what is REALLY worth the money. Maybe you don't have to eat out every week or buy a new outfit for every event. It could be the difference between spending Spring Break in Jamaica and spending it in your dorm room.

5. It's okay to skip class. I know this may be a little politically incorrect, but whatever. Sometimes its honestly okay to not go. Things happen or you could just realize that your class isn't "real." Just don't go overboard. Some professors have a skip limit. Don't exceed that.

6. Get Involved. College would be way better if you involve yourself with some activities. It will give you a better sense of connection to your peers and the school as a whole.

7. Be lowkey. "It ain't nobody's business." You don't need people all in your life. That can get messy.

8. Get to know your professors. Eventually you will need these people to write recommendation letters. Talk to them.

9. Don't be so quick to give people titles. Bestfriend, boo, brother...BLAH. None of that is real, because all it takes is one incident and your "brother" is now your friends with benefits.

10. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Try new things. You'll be happy you did.

11. Don't feel obligated to text unwanted people. Sometimes we are super-friendly and give our numbers out, or maybe we think that person is cool at the time, until we text/call them and they are annoying. You don't have to  keep conversing. It's easy to ignore people in college. You don't always see them.

12. Get some "you" time. It's nice being around friends, but having "you" time is necessary. College can get CRAZY!

13. Social media should NOT be used as a journal. It is NEVER okay to air your life on social media. REMEMBER: BE LOWKEY.

14. Cuffing season is REAL, but then again it's not. This is a time period between September-December where people usually get together/"hook-up". These are fake relationships usually. Only the strong survive. Don't feel discouraged if you never get cuffed during this time. Wait for something a little more real.

15. Keep your fridge stocked with snacks. Food in your room is definitely a life saver for late night studying.

16. Capture memories. Take as many pics and make as many videos as you can. When you look back over all the pics and videos when graduation approaches, it'll make you smile.

17. Do you. Don't follow others. Just be yourself. Be your own trend.

18. Being drunk in public...NO BUENO. Drinking is cool, my sentiments, but don't be "that crazy drunk person." It's not a good look. people will definitely remember.

19. People grow apart and its okay. That person you come in to college with from high school, might not be close with you when graduation comes. Things happen and people change. Don't feel bad. It probably is for the best.

20. Make copies of ALL important papers. Don't trust the school with important documents. Sometimes they can play crazy, but with those copies, you can whip them out and tell them they're wrong you paid your balance.

21. Sharing isn't always fun. Sure you and your roommate are close after a semester, but there are still ground rules that need to be set so they don't think they can just do whatever or take whatever of yours.

22. JUST HAVE FUN! This is college. Do random things. Talk to strangers. Enjoy yourself. This is the best time of your life!!!