In Retrospect : 4 Lessons I've Learned from my time at College

Discussing whether or not a college education is worth the investment is a common topic of debate in today's society. Many say that in today's world, all information can be found on the internet. While that is certainly true, college has taught me a wide variety of life skills that are not easy to learn anywhere else. I am graduating in May, leaving with more confidence, knowledge, and determination. In my 3.5 years, I've attended 2 different Universities and have been an active member of multiple clubs and organizations at both; this is what I have learned.

1. Step out of your comfort zone

As an incoming Freshman at the University of Colorado, I really didn't know what I was in for. I am the oldest of 4 siblings and I don't have any older cousins, so I had only heard a few stories in my life about college. I picked Colorado because I knew I loved the inspirational landscape, and I had hopes of making the basketball team as a walk-on. Upon arrival, I dislocated my shoulder for the 3rd time in my life by playing basketball, and I did not pass the medical examination required to tryout for the team since it required surgery. After being extremely confident in my decision initially, I began to stress beyond belief that making new friends halfway across the US would be a difficult process. What I didn't realize is that there were so many other kids in the same boat. In retrospect, I am confident there is no better year in your life to make new friends than your Freshman year. Before I knew it, I had close friends from different states all across America. By joining multiple clubs, pursuing photography, and joining a fraternity, I quickly felt acclimated to the school. I left after my freshman year to join Auburn's business school, and also to be closer to my family. Still, had I not stepped out of my comfort zone and attended CU, I wouldn't have met so many impressive people. I wouldn't have experienced what life is like on the other side of the US, and I'm grateful for my time there.

2. Plan ahead (and adapt)

In many ways, I am a spontaneous person by nature. I arrived at college having succeeded my whole life by completing things last minute, and I will leave with an opposite perspective. There are certain things at college that are impossible to succeed at without preparation, and there are others that you can't prepare for at all. COVID-19 was one of those things that I, along with a vast majority of Americans, did not prepare for. School immediately transformed into Zoom lectures and online class discussions, and it was hard to stay motivated. I had always been a hands on learner, but through grueling study sessions I was able to adapt to the new learning environment. I now have no difficulty focusing and completing tasks through my computer. During COVID, many jobs all across the world were transformed into stay at home and remote opportunities, so this was a skill I knew I had to master prior to graduation.

3. There are infinite ways to make a difference in this world, so leave your options open

As a highschooler who didn't know what I wanted to do for my career, I figured I would join the car business along with 75% of the males in my family. It seemed like the obvious option and the easiest road to success. Once I got to college, I began to learn about so many different jobs that I had never even considered. I became extremely interested in Marketing which led me to choosing that as my major, but in the past 4 years, I've made friends with people interested in a wide variety of fields. Some of their fields are aviation, engineering, politics, economics, private equity finance, etc., each of whom have incredible potential and desire be successful and make this world a better place in the process. I changed from Graphic Design to Business Marketing, and it has been the best decision I've made yet. I look forward to working at Lot 22 Media after having an inspiring internship last summer.

4. Take the Road less travelled; It will make all the difference

Some of you may be familiar with the Robert Frost poem, the Road Not Taken. The diverged yellow wood that is splitting the pathways in the poem is a metaphor for difficult decisions in all aspects of life, and it has served me well as my blueprint for decision making. If you simply follow the crowd instead of trusting yourself, it is difficult to live a fruitful and satisfying life. Each person in this world has a different path, and we are all carving out our pathway as we go. It is impossible to predict what the future will bring, but you have the best chance of success by being the best version of yourself. Frost said it best,

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

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