Reflections on College: A Time of Independence and Learning

As I look back, what I remember most about college is how it revived my late childhood and early teen days. Those days when I would do my chores and then spend time on all kinds of adventures in my neighborhood mirrored my college experience, but on a much bigger scale.

One of the highlight moments was when I could ace an exam at 1:00 PM on Thursday, and the rest of the day would go by quickly. Thursdays and Fridays were my freest days, spent sitting on the beach with a bonfire, deep into the night, chatting with friends about life, even past the 'wee hours.'

Building Connections

As a person who prefers being around a few close individuals rather than a large crowd, even my first college was a small one. I mostly enjoyed spending time with my roommate or when someone came to visit. When I transferred to Virginia Tech, the weekly church small group meetings added another layer of camaraderie. Outside of these events, spending time with my friends became a cherished part of my college life.

Seeking Knowledge

One of the things I enjoyed most were the interactions with a diverse group of students. Not only did they come from my home state, but they also represented a wide range of cultural backgrounds from around the world. This exposure was incredibly enriching. Additionally, the courses I took were not just interesting but provided life-changing knowledge. As young adults, we were using this time to become knowledgeable, articulate, and well-rounded individuals. This sense of growth fueled our deep-seated hope that we could achieve anything we set our minds to.

Lessons from the Less-Liked Aspects

Even with the many joys of college, there were challenges. Getting up for those 7:00 AM classes on Monday mornings was among the least enjoyable aspects. The fighting and disagreements over petty reasons, combined with the unfortunate, breakfast meal shortages at the cafeteria, merely served as reminders of how homesick I was. Despite these less-than-ideal moments, the overall college experience in 1987 was a great learning experience. It allowed me the independence to explore my passions and evolve both academically and mentally.

Sense of Independence and Support

At age 18, I moved out and lived on my own in a city, which was a significant milestone. The independence was much needed, and while I was young, I managed to balance a part-time job with my studies, whether they were in the morning or evening. My parents were an hour away and would bring me groceries, providing the necessary support. The bond I had with my parents, and the supportive parenting, made the transition much easier.

The least I liked about college was balancing work and study life, which was initially challenging but eventually manageable. I loved meeting my fellow classmates and discussing our struggles. My professors were all very cool, further enhancing the enjoyment of attending classes. It was truly about the experience and the milestones achieved along the way.

From those valuable lessons and experiences, I hope that anyone embarking on the journey of college can hold onto these memories as a foundation for future success.