What I Wish I Would've Known Before College
What I wish someone would have told me before my freshman year at college:
RELINQUISH CONTROL
I searched and searched for a school. I applied to 8 only because I had no clue. I also had no idea what I wanted to study. I was praying about my decision, but I was more praying selfishly that God would just TELL ME. I stopped being consistent and faithful in my current life (high school, relationships) and I was only searching and praying for that one big thing.. COLLEGE.
God taught me through this selection journey, that he knew and has always known where he wanted me. Instead of praying about his will and continuing to be fruitful where my feet were, I was distracted and only worried about my own direction
How do we expect God to take over our lives when our grip is so tight?!
“Seek first the Kingdom (not the unknown, COLLEGE) and all of these things will be added unto you” Matthew 6:33
YOU CAN DO THIS
I come from a very small school district (which I love). But, I had never written over a 3 page paper, and I never learned how to format properly. I did not score anything impressive on my ACT, I scored enough to get in and I was done (sidenote: ACT is not THAT big of deal).
When you doubt your capability you are essentially doubting the God inside of you. You must study, you must work ahead, but you CAN do it. You are smarter than you think and if you do the work you’re given, it will be hard to fail totally.
FIND BALANCE
I can not preach this enough. You must find balance early in the year between your homework, social life, physical activity, mental health, work and MORE. First and foremost it was important for me to schedule and work ahead.
It was important for me to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep, so I usually made sure to be in bed in order to have complete focus. I work better in the morning, so getting up earlier to go to the gym or finish homework was SO HELPFUL. Although school is what you’re there for, don’t forget to build relationships and allow time for them. Reward yourself with a time to put the books down and enjoy friends.
I am an avid gym goer. Not because I am the most fit person in the world, but because it helps me mentally as well as physically. I allowed myself gym time 5-6 days a week. HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean I always go in for hours. If I have a lot to get done, i will do a small circuit and get out!
Figure out what is important to you and prioritize!!!!!!
TRANSITIONS
Recognize it may not always be easy, but you will get through it. Jesus left his hometown, Moses left his people, and Noah left everything. All of these people had to let go of something in order to get something new.
Sometimes we have to leave what is convenient to make room for what is necessary.