Well, it’s officially the last week of classes for the Fall 2022 semester here at SUNY Cortland. As stressful as this time is, for me, it’s also bittersweet. This is my final semester studying here at SUNY Cortland. Although I’m glad to not have to worry about schoolwork anymore, I’m also sad to be done.
In all honesty, I can’t believe I made it to this point. I remember graduating high school in 2019, sad to leave all my hometown friends, yet being so excited to start a new chapter and meet new friends at college.
Since my first semester at SUNY Cortland, I can definitely say I’ve learned a lot -about myself, about life, about class, and about college in general.
Here’s a little rundown of what I can take away.
You don’t need to have your entire life figured out right now.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to think ahead, but don’t let your thoughts about the future get in the way of where you are right now. If you’re too busy stressing about your future, you will never truly be able to live in the moment. What I’ve come to learn is you can’t control the future. With that being said, I take one day at a time and try to leave my worries about the future behind me.
Do things out of your comfort zone.
Leaving your hometown and starting a “new life” in a new town is intimidating. Saying yes to new experiences and opportunities is very helpful when adjusting to a new setting. Go to that party, try that new club, and talk to strangers. Getting out and trying something new is rewarding.
Be your own best friend.
Something I’ve learned throughout my college experience is that you have to learn how to be your own best friend. It’s the truth. While you may have supportive people surrounding you, the only person who will make you truly happy is yourself. Praise yourself for your achievements. Realize you are worthy. Spend time discovering your true character and personality. Learn how to support and comfort yourself. Be kind to yourself. Becoming your own best friend is a gift you will carry for life and a gift nobody can ever take away from you.
It’s okay to ask for help.
As fun as the college experience is, it’s also extremely stressful. There have been countless times when I’ve found myself feeling down, feeling lonely, feeling confused, you name it. Let’s be honest, we all need some help at some point-whether that is with school or simply just everyday life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out for help. Talk to your friends, your family, your professor… it might just give you that extra step
Learn to embrace change.
Our lives are always changing and honestly, at times, that can be extremely difficult. It’s easy to get attached to certain phases of life – yet, you never know when something is going to change unexpectedly. I’ve learned to try to look at things optimistically. I know it’s much easier to look at how change will negatively impact your life, but trying to think in the opposite way will greatly benefit you. Life is one intense roller coaster ride. There is no guarantee that what you have planned for tomorrow will actually work out the way you wanted it to. Try to be flexible and go with the flow.
Never take a moment for granted.
Throughout my time here at SUNY Cortland, I’ve made new friends, tried new things, gone to new places, and made a whole bunch of great memories. I’ve learned to slow down and say thank you. You never know how much you truly have until it’s gone. Remember who and what is most important to you and always cherish that.