Wisdom by Half

I haven't written for a month, and for that I am very sorry. Not only because all of you have stopped reading, but also because I didn't document this last month and therefore will most likely forget almost all of it. But here I am, taking control of my memory again.

I am halfway done with college. I never really thought specifically about this moment, but it is a small sort of accomplishment I suppose. Now that I am a mature *cough* and responsible *cough* and all-knowing college student, I'd like to tell you some of what I've learned the past two years of college. Some of it may apply to anyone in any walk of life, some will apply only to college students, and some may only apply to me personally. They aren't in order of importance, only in order of my thoughts. I shall place a sign on this post exactly like the one I posted on the pile of junk outside my room before I left BJU...

"Please Take What You Can Use and Toss the Rest"

So please, peruse my pile of lessons, take away what you may be able to use, and pass over the rest.


Be Involved

If I could choose only one thing to tell 18-yr old me, it would be this. Being involved is more than just something to look good on a resume; it's the link that changes you from just one more college student into a unique person. Involvement makes friends. Involvement helps give you purpose. I saw it happen in my church in Greenville. Brand new to me just two years ago, Community Baptist is now my church because I got involved. I saw it happen in my society too. Two years ago, I didn't know if I liked my society. Now I'm the president. It's crucial, critical, essential that you get involved. Whenever you find yourself feeling uncomfortable or scared in a new situation, find a way to be involved. Good things can happen.

Home is a relative term

My house is in Kansas City, MO. I live a majority of my life in Greenville, SC. So is home in KC or SC? And the answer is of course, both. The corny cliche, "Home Is Where the Heart Is" actually applies. You all know how much I love BJ and the people here, but I also love being in MO with my family and my home church. It's a weird feeling, having two homes. I'm in a perpetual state of being happy where I am and yet being happy to go somewhere else. Some end up missing wherever they are not, but I've found it is much better to appreciate where you are at the moment. So I guess that the real lesson here is contentment. For I have learned that in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content. There is something to love about every place you go.

Learning is a continual process

Learning is something that will never stop, and you know what? You can actually get better at learning! I know because I've done it. My classes are getting harder, but my grades are getting better because I'm learning how to learn. One of the important things that college does for you. You will never see a class entitled, Learning 101, but it comes with experience and hard work. Go learn to learn! How, you ask? Just do something! Experience, hard work, and a lot of thought.

People are important

Weird, right? I never woulda thunk of this one before college. I was pretty confident in my ability to function all by myself. Maybe I could exist this way, but it would be a pretty miserable existence. I used to believe I was anti-social. I went to college and found out that I LOVE PEOPLE! However, being with people takes work. Selfishness is always wanting to creep in and snatch away the friendships and relationships you make. I had to learn to make time for people . . . roommates, friends, classmates, little kids, and families. These relationships required time and effort and sometimes shared heartache, but they were. so. worth. it. God made us social beings because we need that interaction. Ah, I'm having a wave of nostalgia and 'home' sickness just thinking of all my wonderful peoples in Greenville. People are important, so make them important to you.

You WILL make mistakes

Ok, ok. I hate to admit, but . . . I sometimes . . . sort of . . . .kind of . . . a little, ok, a LOT  . . tend to mess things up. Yeah. I mess up quite frequently. It honestly didn't occur to me until college, but I am susceptible to failure. Shocking, right?? I was shocked. Which is why I'm warning you all now. Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. A trip down the front stairs is much better than a fall from a ten story window. If you realize now that failure is possible, you can take the elevator of awareness down to the ground level.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Living on a college campus has given me insight to a multitude of viewpoints and lifestyles that are very different from anything I've ever known. But it's good for me to hear and see what I'm not used to. I honestly did not realize that some people thought so differently from me. I'm learning to form my own beliefs, ideas, and opinions. It's not just about what I grew up with, even though I do still hold most of the beliefs that my parents hold to. But now it isn't just what my parents taught me, it's what I know for myself. Variety is good and definitely plentiful on campus.

Keep a record

It seems like an extra hassle at the time, but the payoff is like a 20% interest bearing note payable . . . Which means it's a big payoff. BIG. A journal, photos, a blog . . . with technology today, it's very easy to paste your ideas and memories somewhere. I don't know how many times I've looked back at something I've written over the past year and thought, 'oh yeah! I had forgotten about that. That was greeeeaat....." I can't write everything down, but the few memories I recorded mean that I will remember college as more than just studying and working. Please keep track of your life. You'll greatly appreciate it later.

Halfway through college. It's crazy. But I still have halfway to go, and I'm excited to see what I learn by following my own advice. I have a feeling that there are many discoveries still to be made . . .

m(r)