It's a Big World (College)

​It’s a BIG World
Recently my world flipped upside down as I let go of a large chapter in my life and began to write a new book for my life. That new book is college. Already in two weeks I have learned more than I ever imagined.

1. It’s Time to Adult Today

Moving away from home is a new journey and you do not know what is in store until you go through the process yourself. You no longer have your mom to help you do laundry, cook your meals, or wake you up in the morning. It is a whole new world. For myself I learned that in college laundry is expensive! So take it home as much as you can so you don’t have to spend $10 just for a few loads. You also learn that boys have no idea what they are doing when it comes to laundry so you might need to help them out.
You learn to wake up even when you don’t want to and if you wake up late you learn to just put on a t-shirt and shorts and start your day. No one in college is going to judge you because it’s a bun and no makeup kind of day, we all understand the struggle.
When you start to adult you learn to be more grateful of things you once had at home, like a dishwasher not too far away. In college we have this thing called a sink and I wash everything in the kitchen by hand. “Mom, I now understand why you hated having dirty dishes in the sink.”
While all of this might not be the best or fun, I personally enjoy being on my own and learning that the world is much bigger than the little city I came from. There are new views, ideas, and lots of different people who can all teach you something new each day.

2. People Stare A LOT
Of course people stare, and I don’t mean that they do this to everyone. I think it is mainly just me because they have never seen someone without an arm before. Staring never bothered me and still doesn’t, however it can get old sometimes.
Sometimes I wish those who stare would come up and ask, “What happened, or why do you only have one arm?” I have gotten use to the funny looks and the whispering to their friends but after every day goes by it can get a little old.
I might as well make a big announcement on the streets, “YES I HAVE ONE ARM AND YES YOU CAN SAY SOMETHING!!!”
            Recently I performed a social experiment wearing my prosthetic to see if people stared. The answer is no they don’t.

3. Classes are much harder
In high school I thought it was challenging, I had loads of homework each day. However, college is a whole new ball game. I have heaps of homework and studying each day, and sometimes professors are not as clear as you want them to be.
The professor is not going to remind you to finish your homework or give you an oops pass.
You have to be on top of your game and know what is coming up. Learn to balance class, homework, exams, free time, and extra activities you may be a part of. It’s good to know that the professor will not always be reminding you what is due or when the exams are, so remember to check your school account and email’s often.
A helpful tip: GET A PLANNER and DON’T SLACK OFF!
This is the rest of your life we are talking about!

4. Be Outgoing
High school can have loads of bullies; trust me I understand. So in a sense you might have a wall up and be scared of those around you. You might even be scared that people are not genuine or going to be a true friend.
      Don’t worry, let down your guard and know that everyone is having this thought pop into your head. People want to make friends too, so let your guard down a little and go sit with a stranger at lunch. Get to know someone and maybe you guys will just click and boom you have a new best friend! We are all in the same boat of leaving our old friends from home and trying to find new ones. You will meet so many great people as you walk around campus and also while in your classes.

5. Finding classes can be a challenge
I highly recommend before your first day of classes start to go find the main building where your classes are located. Also find what classroom they are located in. In my experience I only did the first step and found the building. It turned out the first day that I was late due to not being able to locate the exact classroom; this resulted in a meltdown followed by a call to my dad and a pep talk.
It can be a challenge so I highly recommend you figure it out before hand and do your best to locate your classes.
Maybe try to take a day with a friend and each of you can help each other out.

6. Call Home
As much as you think you won’t miss home know, you will. Remember to call your parents and keep them up to date on what is going on. Your parents want you to keep them updated and they want to hear how each day goes. I said I wouldn’t miss my parents and as much as I love college and being on my own I miss coming home to their loving faces each day. But remember, they are always just a call or Skype away.

7. Find a best friend
In high school you might have had a best friend, or so you thought, or maybe you actually did and you still are in touch. In college you are probably going to meet a best friend. That boy that will be your best man in your wedding or that girl that will be your maid of honor and cry as you walk down the aisle because she has been with you through it all. This friend could change your whole world. College is a much more fun if you have someone to share your greatest memories and funniest times with.

8. Get Involved
In college I highly recommend that you get involved with as much as you possibly can while still having time for studies and naps.
            Keep track of all the organizations you want to get involved with and learn what you can handle and what you will not be able to.
            If you are worried about making friends and you are not sure how to, get involved in something and I guarantee you will meet people.
            Getting involved is going to make you learn to possess time management skills and also allow you to get the full college experience.

9. Mail
Mail Time, Mail Time, Mailllll Timmeeeee
            Yes, that song is from Blue’s Clues but after leaving home and getting into college you learn that you begin to LOVE getting mail. A package or a letter, it is always a good day when you get mail.
            Have your mum or a grandma send a quick letter or fun care package and send a nice letter back. You will love it and so will your family.
            My best friend and I always joke about how much we check our mail.  We check it about 4 times a day, no joke.

10. Dorm / Roommate
Living with someone is a whole new ball game. You and your roommate are not always going to get along. There will be arguments, fights, and sometimes you are going to annoy each other. Also it may be worse than all of the things I mentioned above. I recommend filling out a roommate agreement and discussing it with each other. If worse comes to worse get your RA involved and figure something out. A dorm room is pretty small and you are going to want it to feel as at home as possible.

11. Stress
Welcome to the time of loads of stress. Exams are 10x harder, and there are no study guides. You are an adult now. In college you are going to learn that it is perfectly okay to feel alone and stressed. You will have multiple breakdowns, but trust me everyone has them. I have had multiple in the last 5 hours and in the end God will take care of everything. You are going to be okay.
 
Overall, Have fun and just be you! Remember to not stress and worry too much!

Love, 
​Sarah