Lexi
College had been on my mind since the end of middle school. By the time I made it to my junior year of high school, I was ready to hightail it out of there and head to bigger and better things. I’m almost done with my first year of college now, but I already feel like I have to prepare myself for the next step. Twice this year I’ve talked with my dad about how likely it is that I’ll get a graduate degree. It’s scary to think about the fact that I have two years left in my undergrad until I’ll once again pick up and move on (who knew those AP classes would pay off.) My mind is still reeling from how fast everything is going. If someone can tell me how it is that in a couple of years I’ll be moving to a new city for the second time in my life, I’m all ears.
Next year, I hope I learn how to be more appreciative of where I am right now. In high school I told myself that when I was in college I would go out during the weekends and try to meet new people. Since then, I’ve learned that I can’t magically change my habits without putting in any effort. Instead of exploring Beantown, I’ve spent most nights curled up with a book, or watching Parks and Rec with two of my roommates. Sure, I’ve enjoyed myself while doing these things, but I can do this anytime. I know that I’m doing what’s comfortable and convenient for me. I hope that next year I get better at finding things to do in Boston. I hope that next year, I’ll go out of my way to look for new adventures to have with my friends and to meet people from other colleges. Soon enough I’ll be out of college and I don’t want to look back and regret spending so much time in my dorm room when there’s a whole city for me to explore. I want to enjoy Boston while I’m still here.
So don’t wait to appreciate the next few years of your life. Enjoy college while you can. Stay up late with friends. Take that class or that minor that doesn’t really have to do with what you want to do with your life, but you think is super interesting anyways. Check out that screening on a school night or go to the event an author you admire will be speaking at. If you thought of high school as a four-year wait for college, then make the most of the fact that you’re here at Emerson now! This is an important part of your life in and of itself, not just a requirement for your dream job. Make the most of college in a way that’s meaningful to you, because in the blink of an eye you’ll be in another set of caps and gowns.