If I had to rate my college experience like a product on Amazon, it would get 3.8 stars.
Not perfect. A little unpredictable. Mixed reviews. But still worth it.
College is much like being in one’s 20s: a chaotic blend of growth, confusion and unexpected life lessons. One moment is filled with excitement for move-in day, and the next is filled with nerves about still not being ready to graduate with less than a month left. It’s a crash course in adulthood, and spoiler alert – it doesn’t come with instructions.
For many of us, college is the first real taste of freedom. We get to choose our schedule, manage our money (or try to), and figure out who we are outside of our hometowns.
Some days feel like movie scenes: late-night talks with friends, spontaneous road trips, victories in class or on the field. Other days feel heavy: student debt, homesickness, mental health struggles and the pressure to have it all figured out.
The career path? Rarely straight.
Some classmates graduated early and walked right into high-paying jobs. Others, like myself, are still figuring it out, building resumes one internship or part-time job at a time. We’re told to have a five-year plan, a side hustle and a personal brand before even knowing how to properly fold fitted sheets.
However, amid the chaos, college has been a place of real growth.
I’ve learned when to say no. I’ve outgrown friendships that no longer served me and found people who feel like family. I’ve had moments of doubt, followed by breakthroughs that reminded me I’m capable of more than I thought.
There’s a unique freedom in this time. We can change majors, study abroad, join random clubs or start over completely. We are old enough to make our own choices, yet still young enough to take big risks. That freedom is what makes college so special and so challenging.
Social life in college is its own balancing act. We often bounce between weekend parties and quiet nights filled with assignments. We want to make memories, but we also crave rest. We’re constantly learning what brings us joy versus what just looks good on Instagram.
Then there’s the comparison trap.
We scroll through social media and wonder if we’re falling behind. The people we grew up with, like myself, are married and just had their first baby. Others are engaged, moving across the country or announcing new jobs.
The small wins matter too – like finishing a tough semester, paying rent on time, cooking a decent meal or finally understanding a concept after struggling for weeks.
College isn’t all that glamorous. It’s messy and unpredictable. But it’s also full of laughter, late-night wisdom and the kind of moments that shape who we become.
Definitely bring snacks, but don’t expect a smooth ride. It’s a long, beautiful, confusing journey. And it’s only the beginning.
