What I've Really Learned

Congratulations, 2015 Graduates! 
Photo courtesy of thrivecleveland.com

Six years ago, I came to Concord University thinking I would be a movie star, or a rock star at the least. Now, I am a little over a week away from graduation, and the dreams and aspirations I had as a budding freshman are far from my mind. This is a time of endings and beginnings, where some doors close and others open. 

Before I embark on this new adventure I would like to take the time to reflect on my experiences at Concord, so that I may bring to light what I have learned and pass this knowledge to others still making their way through the highs and lows of college life. 

• •    Whether it is your professor or your boss, figure out how they operate and what they expect of you. When you know what they want then you can give them what they want, and your relationship with them will be a happy one – most of the time.
• •    Work smarter, not harder. Unfortunately I figured this out fairly late in my college career and I spent a lot of time stressing and crying over how I was to get my work done on time.
• •    Make as many friends as you can, regardless of age. In other words, develop a network of people. These people will come in handy when it comes time for you to find a job.
• •    Get involved. You can complain all you want about how there is “nothing to do around here,” but the truth is there is a lot to do. That mindset comes from laziness and not wanting to do anything, so you need to get over that. When you are involved in a community you will be happy.
• •    Care about something bigger than yourself. You a very important, but so are other things. The sooner you start caring about something more important than yourself the better we all will be.
• •    Sometimes it is okay to let work go and spend time with what really matters, like your family. Do not spend too much time away from your work though. That just leads to failure.
• •    Love knowledge and own it – enough said.
• •    Take chances. Without chances life would be boring, and you just might miss out on a life changing opportunity.
• •    If something is said that strikes you as important write it down. If you actually took the time to stop what you were doing and think about it, then it was obviously something you needed to hear.
• •    Do not dwell on snarky comments and cruel actions too long. They keep you from what you have to do and from being your best. Life is full of hateful words. Plus, the people that say them are just a bunch of big meanies who do not deserve your time anyway.
• •    Lastly, do not forget – never forget. Do not forget the people you meet. Do not forget your professors. Do not forget your college friends. They have helped mold you into who you are today. Do not forget the tears, the laughs, and the moments. Those moments are all you have.

College is rough. It is the biggest of challenges. You come in being one thing, thinking you know everything there is to know, and you leave something completely different, knowing that you really know nothing at all. But you will be ready for whatever life throws your way. Go forth, and conquer the world.