Monday, April 13, 2015

These Last Two Years

In these next couple weeks, I'll be wrapping up my sophomore year of college. Oh. My. Gosh. Yup. We're halfway through, folks! You should know by now that I love lists, so get ready for some unsolicited advice in list format.

Some stuff I've learned, in no particular order:
  1. Organic chemistry is HARD.
  2. Sometimes getting an A isn't about knowing the subject, it's about knowing the professor.
  3. DETAILS MATTER. My brain is just not wired this way. But I'm trying.
  4. Memorization is important. My brain isn't wired this way either.
  5. Form a study group. Yeah, maybe you don't actually need help, but your group members will keep you accountable and focused.
  6. Don't park in tow away zones. They aren't kidding around.
  7. Studying in the library is really helpful, if only because it's not socially acceptable to watch Netflix there.
  8. Living in the dorms the first year was the best decision I ever made. It's how I made all of my best friendships. And your freshman year roommate? If you get lucky like I did, that's a really special bond.
  9. Your best friend back home is allowed to have her (or his) own life. And guess what? You're allowed to have your own life too.  It's okay if the two of you can't share every little thing anymore. It really is. But try, really try, to make time for them still. Call them every now and then and MAKE SURE you ask about their life too.
  10. On that note, make time for your parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. too. They love you and miss you so much.
  11. Say thank you. It doesn't matter if it's to your professor, TA, or the lady in the dining hall. Just say thanks.
  12. Take classes outside your major. Make time for things you think are interesting, even if there's no real reason for it. You have so many opportunities right now.
  13. HELP CLEAN THE APARTMENT. Your roomies will thank you.
  14. Stay up late sometimes. People are vulnerable late at night. That's when the deep conversations happen. You have class in the morning? So what? It's one day.
  15. Light candles when you study. They're really calming.
  16. Ask for help when you need it. Whether it's with classes, people, or your own heart, ask for the help you need.
  17. Work out whenever you get the time.
  18. Apply for stuff on a whim.
  19. Do NOT, under any circumstances, take 11 credits of hard math/science all at the same time. Just don't.
  20. Try not to get so stressed that you cry on the bathroom floor for 1.5 hours.
  21. Love others deeply. It's hard and it's draining, but it's incredible.
  22. Have so much fun, whatever that entails for you.
  23. Drive to the middle of nowhere at night and look at the stars.
  24. Go on adventures.
  25. Learn a foreign language. Minor in it. Bilingualism is awesome.
  26. Your feelings are ALWAYS valid.

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