30 Things I Learned During My First Two Quarters in College

most of my freshmen class at our church retreat and truly some of the greatest (and most savage) people you'll ever meet

It's hard for me to believe it's been six months since I lasted posted on this beloved blog but a lot has happened since. I can truly say I have experienced one of the best periods of my life during these last few months. Last year during this time, I felt both emotional highs and lows due to the fact that is was the dreaded period of college acceptances. I was accepted into my dream school, and I remember running around the house saying that it was the happiest day of my life. However for certain reasons, I was unable to go there. I was emotionally crushed and I remember having an extremely negative attitude toward going to the university that I now attend. I didn't think I could enjoy my time at my current university because it didn't offer the programs I wanted or had the high school friends that I wanted to go to school with. I kept telling myself that my life was unfair when in reality I was so incredibly fortunate but I just couldn't see what was in front of me. I spoke lowly of a school I had not yet even attended. To say that I had a 360 change in attitude is not even close to describing how I feel now. I have grown in every aspect of my life be it emotionally, mentally, or most importantly, spiritually. (Sadly, I didn't grow taller in the physical department.) There were many times during this school year that I wanted to post to update my blog family on how college was going, but I chose to prioritize experiencing college for what is and I honestly don't regret it. I miss all of you dearly, and though I am not going to set a schedule to blog like before, I will definitely try my best to post more. Here are a few of the many things I learned from the first two quarters of my freshmen year.

1. Coffee shops are a wonderful thing (and no doubt that's where I'm writing this right now).
2. It's possible to get that much needed 8 hours of sleep a night.
3. You're going to have a love/hate relationship with your roommate. Just kidding, our relationship is 98% sass and 2% love. 
4. Spending hours crafting for your dorm room is worth it. You'll be stuck in that tiny box for a year.
5. Putting yourself out there is the best way to feel connected. 
6. Upperclassmen are a blessing.
7. And so are small groups.
8. Friends with cars make college fun.
9. Say yes to being down for late night adventures, even at 1 a.m.
10. The Disneyland parade and fireworks are therapeutic. 
11. Tell your friends you appreciate them.
12. Take the initiative when no one will.
13. Being single is great, especially when you're making new friends.
14. Keep in contact with your high school friends from the start.
15. Feeling plugged in is a 50% you thing and a 50% them thing. 
16. The friends you hang out with at the start of college will not always always be your best friends later.
17. It's okay to go to college close to home because you will still grow. (Let's face it, being able to go home is a blessing.)
18. Grades are important, but they aren't everything. In the future, you are more likely to remember experiences over grades.
19. Freedom is a blessing and a curse in disguise. 
20. Unless you have enjoyed getting up at 7 a.m. every morning for high school, do not sign up for early classes if at all possible. No matter how good of a student you are, you will most likely not go to them.
21. Be extra appreciative when upperclassmen pay for your meals and make sure to swipe them into your dining hall as a simple way of saying thank you.
22. Dining hall food is eatable, but it takes a bit of creativity to keep it from getting mundane. 
23. Enjoy A's, but don't expect them. 
24. Record your memories, whether that's through a blog post, journal, or vlog. 
25. Remember to keep your parents updated and show them some love.
26. Enjoy your freshmen year because you're only a baby once.
27. The less snacks in your dorm the better. Not gaining the freshmen 15 is a wonderful thing.
28. As much as it sucks to walk to class everyday, try to enjoy the added exercise and have a step count battle with your roommate.
29. Life gets real when you start putting your resume together.
30. Everyone experiences college differently.

Much love,

Emily