There are a large number of different expectations that people have for college. Some students use college as a means to an end, believing that the only thing that matters is getting into a good university and getting a job. College can be considered as just another step on the path to success with no regard paid to the experience itself.
However, there are many who view their time in college as an opportunity to expand their horizons by going beyond simply achieving grades and finding employment, but also having fun and gaining a broad spectrum of life experiences.
If you fall into the latter group – if you want your years spent at college not only to pave the way towards financial security, but help shape your future identity – then you need to make the most of your time by delving into what college has to offer you. Take advantage of the countless opportunities available for personal growth and enrichment, as well as the tools with which to aid in this process.
Most importantly, make sure that you use your teachers as resources not only for their respective academic subjects, but also as people who can guide you through these experiences.
Your educators are often among the oldest friends you will have throughout your life. Your relationship with them is one that defines how open-minded and curious you are about the world around you.
Therefore it is important to let your teachers know that they are more than just instructors – that they can be someone with whom you can consult when trying to decide where life will take you.
This means respecting your teachers as people, not just as sources of knowledge, and trusting them with who you are beyond simply what you know.
If you allow yourself to do this, then the role that college has in shaping your future identity becomes greater than simply an opportunity to prepare for life after school without actually living it; it becomes a journey that is more exciting and fulfilling than anything else because of how open-ended it is. You can follow any path you choose because there are no wrong answers – only new discoveries waiting to be discovered by someone willing to look for them.
While some might think that they leave their true selves behind during their time at college, I believe the opposite: every experience is another piece added to your identity. As you go through each day, ask yourself who you are becoming and what it means for your future.
Then take time to reflect on these questions so that you can better understand what college is doing for you. There’s no point in having new experiences if you aren’t using them to become a better version of yourself than before you left home.
Remember, life shouldn’t be lived cautiously; rather, constantly approach new situations with an open mind. Then take the time to contemplate what they mean for where you want to be tomorrow, next week or even ten years down the line. If others don’t see your potential then make them believe by constantly challenging both yourself and your peers to do the same.
In short, take advantage of your time at college and it will not only play a key role in helping you answer questions about who you are and where you want to go in life, but also be something that gives your future career direction and meaning because of how it shapes the person you become.
Thanks for reading!!!