Well, it happened. Today was my last day of classes. Goodness gracious. All I have left is a few exams and then I'm home for the holidays. :)
I felt like I should write a little (well, not so little) post about the things I learned in my first semester of college. I hope it can either benefit you or just something to read to kill some time.
A little disclaimer, these are just the things I've learned and noticed, this may not go for everyone. We're all at a different school, doing different activities, we both have different ways of living. This is just what your BFA in Studio Arts major learned her first semester of college.
1. Make time for Jesus.This was one thing I was worried about when entering college. When I was at home, I was so accustomed to reading my devotionals and my Bible everyday. College introduces many new temptations and other things that can take away from Jesus time. I didn't want to lose my faith while attending school, God gave me this opportunity for a reason and I want to let Him know I'm appreciative. I keep my Bible, my devotional book, a notebook, and a little pen beside my bed, so when I crawl in to sleep at night, I can grab it and read before I go to sleep. I also started praying before class started, during class, on the way to class. I tell myself to pray all the time. Especially when I'm worried, stressed, or just need a little light in my day. Talking to Him for five minutes is better than not talking to Him at all. I also surrounded my desk and wall with Bible verses and things, just for something to look at when I'm studying or as I'm about to fall asleep. I've found it really helpful as well to download a Bible App on my phone. The one I have now is called "Bible" (the little icon for it is a little brown book with a riboon with the words "Holy Bible" on the front). I really like it because it has "Verse of the Day" every single day, and you can look up any verse you want. It's really handy if you don't have your physical Bible around and just need a quick pick-me-up.
2. The "cool kids" aren't necessarily the "cool kids."There were multiple groups of people that I wanted to hangout with. They always were eating together, having bonfires together, calling each other, all of this stuff. I felt like I didn't have many friends, so I wanted to be a part of that group. Long story short, these people ended up being people I probably shouldn't be hanging around with, and I'm glad I didn't. I watched "Can't Buy Me Love" the other day, and even though that movie is a bit more exaggerated than my situation, it still shone the light on what really mattered. Surrounding yourself with people that make you feel wanted because they like you, not because they seem "cool to be around."
3. Surround yourself with positive people.I have met many a people in college that did not have a positive impact on me. Thankfully, I met some new friends that continuously make me laugh and feel good about myself. College is hard enough as it is, don't make it even worse with being around people who make you feel insignificant.
4. Hold doors open for people.This simple gesture can make someone's day. There have been plenty times where I have been stressed out and feeling awful then someone holds a door open for you. It's an instant "renewed faith in humanity" feeling. There are nice people out there, you just have to look. Also, hold the door open for people. I know how good it makes me feel to have someone hold a door open for me, and I am more than happy to give that feeling back to someone. It doesn't cost anything to be nice to people.
5. Buy those gummy bears to reward yourself.One of my favorite things to do is go in the food court and buy myself the little boxes of candy they sell. I always do this after a big test, after I've had a stressful day, or even on a Friday as a "good job! you got through another week!" Reward yourself. Do something that makes you happy. It doesn't have to be buying candy, it can be watching your favorite TV show or coloring in a coloring book. Just be good to yourself.
6. Always call your professor "Dr. or Professor" until they tell you otherwise.
It all comes down to being respectful. Most of my classes are art courses, and most of the art department is on a first name basis. It isn't uncommon to hear "Hey Billy!" in my class, because he said it was okay for us to call him by his first name. But until they say, "hey just call me by my first name," always say "professor or doctor." It shows that you respect them.
7. Not attending every single football game doesn't make you "unsocial."
I am a quiet person. I'm not the type who wants to go out every night and attend every event and be Miss Social Butterfly. Being those people are completely fine, but that isn't me. I've had more fun times just going to my friend's dorm and eating food rather than going to every social event possible. That doesn't make me "unsocial." I do what's best for myself and you do what's best for you.
8. Leggings are heaven-sent.
I was that girl in high school who was like "ew leggings gross why don't you just wear jeans." This is my formal apology. Leggings are like pajamas you can wear in public and still be socially acceptable. I have worn them more this semester than I ever have in my life. Darn you stretchy nylon or whatever you're made of.
9. Don't procrastinate.
It may be okay in high school to stay up the night before and write that paper, but it will not fly in college. You may be able to do it, but it just causes unneeded stress and heartbreak. Professors aren't as lenient as high school teachers. If it's late, it's late. You get marked down a letter grade or a certain number of points. College work, especially papers, involve so much more work and preparation than high school papers. Just do it before it's due. Trust me, I can't tell you how many projects I did the night before it was due in high school. (It was an embarrassing amount, it wasn't every project but a handful, and I regret it now. If any of my old teachers are reading this. I am so sorry.) GET STUFF DONE EARLY. It'll feel like a weight has been lifted, and you'll have time to go back and check your work to make sure it's up to par. Then go buy yourself some gummy bears, you rockstar.
10. Bring shower shoes.
Just read that over and over. I don't need to explain further.
11. Call/text other friends that are in college and see how they're doing.
It's comforting to know there are other people who are going through the same thing you are. Reach out to someone and have a conversation. There have been many times where I just needed to talk to someone who was in the same situation as me. It made me feel better that I wasn't the only one in a new setting. Talk to old friends, keep in touch.
12. Get the required items for class.
I can't tell you how many times that my Drawing professor has asked me, "is this gray charcoal?" when I was supposed to be using black. This goes especially for art students, pay attention to what you buy. Read labels. Know that gray charcoal isn't going to magically turn black over the semester. Thankfully my professor just laughed it off and it didn't count me off any points for it. But always make sure you have the required materials so class will go smoother.
13. Incorporate some type of healthy food into your diet.
It's hard to eat healthy in college. It's a lot easier to walk into the burger place and pick up a sandwich and walk out. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, it's pretty convenient when you have to study or have to run to a class. But try to make time to eat in the cafeteria, there are some healthy options in there, and eating a warm meal can brighten your spirits. Sitting down and taking a breather is good for you. But if you are running late, there are healthier options you can pick up and go. There are fruit cups, baked chips, yogurt, and other healthier options you can pick from. Eating healthier things make your mind and body feel good, and that's immensely important in college.
14. When assignments are due, they are due.
You know how in high school if you forgot your binder at home with your homework in it, your teacher would let it slide? Well, I hate to break it to ya but it's not that easy in college. Due dates are due dates. If your professor tells you something is due on a Monday at 8am, it's due on Monday at 8am. Just turn in your work on time. There have been a couple professors that accept late work, but you don't have a chance to get a full grade, or you have to have a extremely valid reason that you weren't able to turn it in. It's better to avoid having to deal with either of those things, so pull up your big boy pants and turn in your assignments.
15. Attend class.
It seems simple enough, but there are going to be times when you rather sleep four more hours than wake up for class. Go. To. Class. I know it stinks, but you'll do much better in your classes if you just go to class. Take notes. Pay attention. If you're feeling sleepy, chew some gum or drink a Mountain Dew. Your professor will appreciate you being there and you'll most likely do better in the class.
16. It's okay to laugh at yourself.
College is full of awkward and new experiences. I've tripped at least once a day and jumped at the sound of someone dropping a pencil. I am easily frightened, so I tend to jump and/or say "oooh!" in a high-pitched voice when I get scared. Laugh at yourself. I tripped so bad one day that I literally thought I was about to kill myself. I started laughing. I walked into the math building and my boots got stuck together and someone asked me if I was okay and stood with me until I sorted myself out. I laughed. Laughing through situations like this make them more bearable. Don't be afraid to laugh.
These next ones are some more art-related things, so it won't apply to everyone unless you're an art major or take an art class.
17. Don't take critiques personally.
With art classes comes critiques, where everyone puts up their work and share comments about them. These comments are for your benefit, and are aimed at your artwork, not you as a person. I've seen a lot of people get really defensive when someone makes comments about their artwork, but you've got to remember that they are trying to improve your skills and make you a better artist. Listen to what they say and store it in your mind and think of it when you create a new piece.
18. Attend art events.
Take advantage of your school's art events. There are galleries you can go to and lectures you can attend. Some teachers will give extra credit for attending these events, so take advantage! They're a lot of fun and will spark conversations.
19. Don't ever fold your pieces.
I honestly believe my professor had mini-heart attacks when he saw that one of our drawings was folded or ripped. He told us that doing so devalues the piece, and shows that you don't care for it. This is so, so, so true. I remember looking at some people's pieces and not taking it seriously because it was obvious that the piece wasn't taken care of.
20. Listen to your professors.
This can go for all professors, but especially art professors. One of my advisers told us that we need to soak up as much of the information from our art professors as we can. They are all successful artists and the things they tell us are only to make us better artists. I never really thought of that, but it's really true. All of my professors create amazing pieces of art, and the fact that I'm learning from an actual artist is inspiring.
College has definitely been different, but in the best way possible. I am so thankful that I can be here doing something that I absolutely love.
One semester down, seven to go. :p
-Rachel xx
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