I OPEN AT THE CLOSE...

Rambling reflections

The new academic year is starting and this is the first time that I won't be joining the pack back to university. My college years have come to a close for about 3 months now. Within these few months, many things have changed. Everyone has either returned home or have begun their lives in the professional workforce and time is much more scarce. No longer are the days where we can spontaneously call each other up for coffee study breaks and midnight rendezvous. However, every chapter must come to an end even though we might not be ready for it. Transitions are hard and trying for us all - those who are still trying to figure things out and for those who seem to have everything fall into place (emphasis on the word "seem"). We must remind ourselves that life still continues and that there are bigger and better things for us to experience as cliche as that sounds. Push through everyday. It is okay to not have a clear picture of what we want but we must use our time wisely. Time can be both on our side and against. Yes, it takes time to figure ourselves out and find ourselves but we must do it in a timely manner for in a blink of an eye life will pass us by.

Reflection of what I have learned in my 4 years of college:

1. You get what you give - I am naturally a very private person and won't open up until probably a few months of friendship. What I've learned is that the more you give, the more you receive in all realms of life whether it be relationships, work, and club memberships. The more you give of yourself, the more open you are, the more honest you are, the more transparent you are with others will in the end will only benefit you in the long run. Of course there is a fine line with this; don't take it to the polar extreme. 
2. Don't take yourself too seriously - This is a time to experiment and find your true self. Don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself. Most people are not out to get you. Take chances. Make mistakes. The lessons learned from this will carry you on for a lifetime.
3. People judge, so what? - The people who judge you will judge you and what its worth, why would you want to win them over? They will most likely just judge you for everything you do. Who needs that in their life? The people who love you most won't judge you and will support you. However, don't get constructive criticism confused with judging. People who love you most will speak up when things are not right and want to prevent you from bad things such as heartbreak, heartache etc... Loved ones will not be your yes man to everything and will speak up if something is not right. 
4. Always remember your goal and stay true to yourself - remember what your bigger picture is and never lose sight of it. It's easy, especially with social media, to get caught up in what's trending and what's cool nowadays. Don't get caught up with the frenzy. Do what you like to do and you will find others just like you too.  

I've definitely made a multitude of mistakes that I wish I could do over again. College isn't easy; it's largely a huge learning curve to find balance between tests, papers, friends, and personal health. Sometimes you can get caught up in it all but one of most important things I think is to carve out time for yourself. Take time out to just spend quality time with yourself to reflect and rejuvenate. Go outside and take a walk or take a nap and start again on that treadmill. Sometimes it feels as if you're alone on that racetrack but look around and everyone is with you trying to race to the finish line. You're not alone. You never will be.