10 Things I learned in College

Few weeks from now I will be graduating and will be facing the real life. In my four years in college it wasn't easy for me because of being irregular student. Every semester I have 9 subjects to take to be able to graduate on time. If you're a regular student, you only have 7 subject to take. The pressure and academic requirement was double for me. 

Thinking that in few weeks from now, all my parents effort and support emotionally, physically and financially will be paid off. Of course, my sleepless night, effort, pressure, stress, and anything I suffered in my college will be rewarded.

Aside from the things I learned inside the four corner of the school, I also learned something valuable that has nothing to do with my grades. These things I learned is from my experiences.

Here are the 10 things I learned in College:

1. How to be independent. This is the first thing I learned in college because I'm leaving in a dorm. I lived miles away from my family. I am the only one will take care of myself, I am the one will cook and prepare my food, will do the laundry and everything that I need to do by myself. This taught me to become independent and stand on my own.

2. How to budget money. My mom will only send me an allowance for a month. I need to budget it enables to survive the month. Soon as I get the allowance I will allocate it according to my expenses and monitor it every month. At first, it's very hard for me to budget because I always eat on a fast food chain and my allowance only last for two weeks, that's why I'm going to ask another allowance for 2 weeks.  But then, I realized that I've spending more than the allotted allowance for me and it doesn't help my parents who's the one providing my allowance that's why I told myself that I need to be serious in my budget. From then, I learn to monitor, track my expenses and control myself from spending too much.

3. How to save money. I learn how to budget, of course I will also learned to save money. As soon as I received my allowance, 10% of that will go to my savings. I will start allocating the rest. Aside from that, I practiced self-control and self-discipline in spending.

4. Time Management. In my college I think this one I practiced and learned the most. Having so many subject was very difficult, especially when each of my subject has a requirement with the same deadline. In order to accomplish it, I need to manage my time wisely so that I can pass all the subject requirements on the deadline. 

5. Sleep is sacred. I can't remember the last time I had to sleep 8 hours in one night. Me, who is aiming for a good grades spend most of the time studying, doing research, homework and project.I remember, during my childhood I really don't want to sleep, all I want those days is to play with my friends. But now, I regretted that I didn't follow my mom when they told me to sleep. Sometimes, 6 hours is the longest sleep I had in one night. That's why, If I had the opportunity to nap, I will take it as a present to myself. But because unbalanced schedule, I will always set my alarm every time I will sleep.

6. Who your true friends are.  College is the time of "finding yourself" to figure out what kind of people you want to surround yourself. Sometimes the people that you think are in your corner, are the same people putting you down behind your back. Doesn't mean because your friends they will not stab. People nowadays has there own motives, that's why choose wisely who your true friends are. Be someone that will help you, motivate you, will not tolerate the things that will harm you, will tell the good and bad side of you. Choose a friend that are trustworthy enough.

7. To appreciate my parents. I really missed them, especially my mom. I missed waking up that everything is ready, the breakfast, uniform, shoes and everything. But I really missed the unconditional love and care of my parents. They were always there for me in good or bad times, they supported me ever since.  I began to appreciate them for who they are and who they always have been.

8. Who I am. In my college, I started to began exploring myself. Through interacting with different people, trying new activities and experiences; I slowly put the piece together the real me. Now, I even learned more about my weakness, strength and personality.

9. Always had a "ME" time. Self care is one of the most important things to do during college life. Treat yourself with the food you want to eat, had a movie marathon, or do something to relax once in a while. 

10. How to live my life to the fullest. Living with regrets is a waste of time. In my 4 years I learned the importance of enjoying life and appreciate. Life is meant to be experience and you should step outside your shell and do the thing you've never done life because it only happens once.

That's the 10 things I learned in college that taught me other than inside the four corner of the room.