Real Talk

I haven't posted anything in about 3 weeks. Why? Mainly because nothing interesting has happened in the last 3 weeks. Since I've been home I've been looking for a job which hasn't worked out all that great. That being said, if you know of anyone hiring, let me know porfavor! 

I just got back from graduation at RFHS. As I look around at all the kids graduating and listen to everything they talk about, all I can think of is how they have no clue as to what all is going to happen in the next year. I find it crazy to think that a year ago I was just graduating and I was the clueless one. I'm gonna try to sum up the last year with 5 things I learned. Now, this is just from my experience. Other college freshman might have experienced something different. 

Number One

No matter how much you hate Rockport(or your hometown if you live elsewhere), I promise you that you will miss it when you leave for college. Think about, the first 19 years of your life are spent in one setting then your placed somewhere else away from everyone you know. Is it scary? yes. Is it nerve racking? sure is. But is it completely awesome and worthwhile? You bet. I also guarantee that you will call your mom or dad and cry to them at least once. Whether it be about missing home, your grades, or just everything piling up; it will happen. But don't be afraid to call your parents even if you are sobbing to them over the phone. Just call them.

Number Two

Don't live in fear. Don't be afraid of what people think or what could go wrong. Just go for it. I was not looking forward to going to a new church in Waco. The thought of going to a church other than FBC Rockport, especially by myself, completely freaked me out. However, I went and I'm so thankful I did. You can't be afraid to try new things. Within reason of course ;)

Number Three

Appreciate your friends and family at home before you leave. Soak up every bit of Summer and every amount of free time you have with them. You'll soon realize that your family will be there for you regardless of how far from home you are. Your family is the one that will support you throughout college. That being said, keep in mind that whatever you do in college, needs to make your family proud. College comes with a lot of independence and you have to choose what to do with that. Going back to the topic of friends, you will drift apart from people. I hate to say it, but I don't even talk to some of the people that I was close with my senior year of high school. Everyone moves away, gets caught up with school, and makes new friends. Don't get me wrong, being away has also caused me to grow closer to some of my friends. Those are the friendships you cherish and fight for. 

Number Four

School is hard. You will make a bad grade on a test. It's gonna happen. It's awful when it happens, but you deal with it (aka call mom crying) and move on to the next test. There will be a week where you have 3 tests, 2 papers, and countless pages to read; but once again, you handle it and move on. College is way different from high school and I think you'll realize that within the first week. Helpful hint: get to know your professors. If you aren't happy with a grade, ask to come in during office hours and discuss it with them. Professors realize when a student really cares about a grade and that will come in handy. Lastly, study until you think you're ready for the test, then study 2 more hours. And I mean actually study. Don't just sit down in front of the TV with your book open. I mean go to the library and immerse yourself in the material. 

Number Five

Trust in God with everything you have in you. You'll go to college and things will get tough. You'll have questions, doubts, and fears; take them all to Christ. He's the only one that will help you through it. You'll soon realize that people will let you down every now. And believe or not, but sometimes, theres just not an answer to your question. Talk to God about it. He never lets you down and will always listen. Eventually, you'll sort through your problems with His guidance and come out even stronger than before. Don't be afraid to question what you believe. When you question it, you look for reasons why you believe what you do. You'll find those reasons and it will make your faith your own; it will solidify who you are and what you believe.  Talk to God about your problems. Surrender everything to Him and He'll see you through. 

There's a good chance that the majority of people reading this won't even be college graduates. However, I think a lot of these apply to daily life, not just college. These 5 things pretty much sum up my first year. Keep in mind though, college is amazing. I absolutely loved my first year at Baylor and I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else.