What I learned in college

By Manette Newbold

December 7, 207 | I've ordered my cap and gown and sent out my announcements. It's looking like I'm going to pass all my classes this semester which will give me exactly 120 credits. So, as long as I finally take all six CIL exams this week, I'm graduating from college.

It's feeling a little surreal right now as I'm finally beginning to accept that on December 15 my student career will officially be over. I'm excited to be done with homework, 10-page papers and multiple-choice exams that I've spent the last four and half years cramming for.

I've learned a lot in college. For example, matrix problems can actually make math fun and, thanks to my swing dance class, I also learned to spin around upside-down with my legs hanging off a guy's shoulder.

Most of what I've learned in college didn't come from books or studying for tests. In fact, most of the memories I will hold onto came late at night with friends or at times when professors left their subject for a moment and gave students some really good advice. So for my last column I want to raise a glass to the people that have meant the most in my life and pass along the things they've taught me, whether they know it or not.

First of all, sometimes the best conversations with friends take place in a car at 2 a.m. on the way home from McDonald's while sipping extra-large Diet Cokes.

Also, Little Caesar's can be a solution to any Friday night when there's nothing else to do. Friends have taught me that we should surround ourselves with people who will make us better. A true friend respects what you believe in and lets you make your own choices. They inspire you to live your values even if theirs are not the same.

Along those same lines, don't hold your friends' pasts against them. Everyone has a history but we should be looking at who people are right now, who they are trying to be and what they can become. We shouldn't be blinded by their mistakes because everyone makes mistakes.

When it comes to any type of relationship, we should always be honest. There will be things that we don't want to say but sometimes it's necessary to tell the truth. Gaining trust from those around you will allow their power to become yours and endless doors can open.

Also, don't mess around with what isn't yours. This can mean your roommate's Lucky Charms or your best friend's boyfriend. If it's not yours to begin with, don't try to steal it.

Kisses mean something. Don't give them away to strangers. Nine out of 10 times someone gets hurt when a kissing in noncommittal. Kiss as many people as you want, but make sure you like that person, care about their feelings and your own.

And even though it may be easy sometimes, don't make fun your friends' crushes. You never know what could happen with them. Gossiping is a waste of time and even though we are all guilty of it sometimes, it doesn't do any good. Some of the best things we can say are simply thank you and sorry. There is power in those words.

I've learned that it's never too late to change and we are all able to make some difference for good. We can all try to leave people better than how we found them.

When it comes to working in college I've learned that a lot of us are going to have crappy jobs and we shouldn't put others down because of their employment. I worked at Wal-Mart for three years and have never heard so many mean and degrading things about any other job I had. We're in college. As long as the work is honest, it shouldn't matter how your friends are making money.

I'm just beginning to realize that people shouldn't hide their talents. You'll never know how good you could be if you never display them. It's too easy to shove them in the back of a closet and let them collect dust. And when you do let your inhibitions go and show what your talents are, take criticism for what it's worth and move on. Try to make yourself better because of it and don't let it tear you down.

Try to make every day count. Find out what the community has to offer from arts to sporting events. Get involved in activities because there is always something to do.

Explore. Go on walks, float the canal, hike the mountains that we are surrounded by and have bonfires in them.

When it comes to faith, have God in your life. I don't care what religion you are or what you believe in. Believing in something bigger than yourself, bigger than society, bigger than this world and bigger than life will inspire you. Having faith in an afterlife will give you something to live for every day.

If you can, travel. See places and meet people that are different than you. See the wonders that this earth has to offer and try new foods there. Eating interesting meals in different states and countries can lead to some really great memories.

Make sure you are happy by finding out who you are. Find out what you like and what you don't and let yourself go. Sometimes everyone just needs to go for a long drive. At times, roll down the windows and let the world hear your music. Sing your heart out. Dance like nobody's watching.

When you need to, take time to be alone and sort out the things that are important to you. Decide where you are going in life and never give up on your dreams. Never settle for something less than what you could be.

Lastly, laugh every day. There are funny things happening all the time around us and don't be afraid to let that out.

NW
MS