Expectation vs Reality: College

So you are going off to college very soon, you are in college as we speak, you have been to college, or none of the above and you are not exactly sure why you are reading this. Whatever the case may be, welcome! I am glad you are here!

I do not really have an intro for this one, or an organized list, so here we go!

1.

Expectation: "I'm going to apply for as many scholarships as I can!'

Reality: Loans, loans, loans!

2.

Expectation: "I am an independent adult now!"

Reality: "Hey mom, I was just calling to see if you had any recommendations on what I should get when I go grocery shopping?"

Who knew adulting meant making your own doctor appointments, getting your car fixed, and buying your own groceries? Is it too late to opt out now?

3.

Expectation: "I am on my own now, time to budget my money!"

Reality: "Books cost how much? But I only have..." *eats ramen for dinner*

What does budgeting really mean? That is the question.

4.

Expectation: High School Teachers: "You will need to know this in college!" "College is not easy!"

Reality: College is not easy.

Academically, mentally, and spiritually. Do not be fooled by your first semester or your first year in college. If it isn't hard now, it could get more challenging later. Brace yourself!

5.

Expectation: "I'm going to be broke in college."

Reality: "I am really broke in college"

This really speaks for itself.

6.

Expectation: "I am going to the same school as my friends, we are going to be friends forever!"

Reality: "Do I know who? Oh yeah, I forgot they even went here."

College gives you the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, take advantage of that! Not saying your "pre-college" friends won't stick around, but hey things change. Don't get too worked up if things don't work out the way you envisioned.

7.

Expectation: "College will be the best years of your life!"

Reality: Debatable.

In my personal opinion, college is not only what you make it, but it is also whatever it makes itself.. if that makes sense. Let me explain, supposedly college is the best time of your life but it is not for everyone. The worse is going to college, having a not so great experience, and then assuming it is all you fault. That is not completely fair, is it? College is a peak for some and a trough for some, and that is okay. These 3-6 years are not the same for everyone, so do not feel as if you are doing it wrong if it is not going great for you. College will not be the only highlight of your entire life!

I am in no way knocking college, obviously. You are blessed (lucky) if you have the opportunity to go! Enjoy it as best you can!

With love,

Olivia E.

Just Keep Livin'!