Looking back on my first semester in college, I learned a lot - not just about music or essay-writing, but about people and life in general. And I guess that's a big part of what the first year or so of college is about. It's been quite a wild ride, and now that I'm at the end of the semester, I'm getting a chance to reflect on the important things and the little things. I've been doing a lot of lists lately, but this one's going to be... interesting, so here's a few of those things:
- If you don't remember what time the dining hall closes, you will not eat. (Took some of my friends awhile to figure that one out.)
- If you're not from Texas (or the South), be prepared to have friends who say "y'all." If you are, be prepared to have friends who think that's a little bizarre.
- You'll have friends who make different life choices than you do. Chances are, you had those in high school too, but in college it'll be less of a big deal. Just accept it and move on.
- Sometimes, being social isn't the worst thing in the world. (Sometimes.)
- Bursting into song in the middle of a conversation scares people, apparently.
- Be prepared to sit with complete strangers when you're eating. Sometimes this is a decent way to make friends.
- Keeping in touch with a group of friends who are roommates isn't quite as hard because you can almost always track down one of them.
- Know that people don't answer their phones as often in college. Especially when you actually need their help with something.
- Avoid parallel fifths and octaves in four-part voice writing.
- Chances are, you're going to be exposed to some new music. Enjoy it while you can.
- Doing laundry isn't so bad - unless the elevator is broken and it's on the top floor.
- Going out late at night is really fun if you're not alone. (Going with three guys who could kick serious butt is also a plus.)
- You'll see some really weird things, like... well... you might be better off not knowing.
- Remember all those math and science people you made friends with? Well, their classes don't start until AFTER the sun comes up, and theirs also go later than yours, so be prepared to not see them outside of dinner.
- Video games are great stress relief. So is watching someone else play them.
- Staying out until 1 or 2 in the morning isn't the end of the world anymore. (But the walk home might be a little chilly.)
- Eliminate extraneous words in your writing. Know how to analyze things.
- Friends are a great source of information and insight... when they're not too lazy or busy to help you.
- Netflix may be the best thing since sliced bread.
- Hanging out with nerds is still really fun. Even if they think you're crazy.
- Learn to let things go. Nobody's perfect; neither are you.
- Know the difference between joking and actually trying to be offensive.
- If there's one social butterfly in the group, you'll all meet plenty of new people.
- Sometimes, people will double-book on you. Roll with it.
- There is a big difference between networking and making friends. Make time for both.
- It's okay to show your friends what you're good at.
- Make sure you have enough time to get to your classes (and you know where they are).
- People will get really excited about absolutely nothing.
- Be brave.
- Sometimes, it's okay to not say anything.
- If you've got a baby grand piano in your dining hall, play it.
- Having access to good gelato in your dining hall seven days a week can turn into a bad thing if you don't like the gym.
- If you're doing what you love, expect others to be a little jealous.
- Your friends have to study and won't always be available when you want them to be.
- Being bad at something is okay if it means you get to spend time with your friends while they teach you to be good at it.
- Music is still great stress relief. Make time for it.
I'm sure I'll think of more, so there MAY be a Part Two coming. Still, those are some pretty good points. Overall, it's been a great semester, I've found some fantastic friends, and I can't wait for next year!
Love you all,
Megan
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