Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • Classifieds
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / A quick lesson in college life

A quick lesson in college life

April 22, 2014 by Ben Todd

It’s hard to believe that just a year ago I was hanging out with my high school graduating class during our spring break trip at the beach. Since that point, I’ve graduated, moved my life across the world, made new friends, gained new experiences and learned a lot of lessons. Here’s a list of things I’d tell my past self if I had the chance in regards to my freshman year.

A quick way to make friends is to jam to some 80s music, and look around to see if anyone else is bobbing their head or jamming on their air guitar.

The best way not to gain the freshman fifteen; don’t go for seconds. Just eat everything you have on the first plate. Also, take advantage of the Rec center; make it your second or third home.

Have the healthy assumption that as soon as you arrive in America, you are an adult that can take care of yourself and no one is going to help you. That way when people do help me do my laundry, move my stuff, drive me to church or lend me spare winter underwear, I consider it a big deal and accept it with the upmost gratitude.

Speaking of winter underwear, don’t forget to pack some winter clothing.

The only justification to lie is when you’re keeping a surprise engagement party a secret from your sister.

Situations go much more smoothly when you admit your mistakes rather than deny them. Nobody wins if you deny your mistakes. This technique got me out of tight social situations more than once.

Listen more than you speak.

Let your actions and words speak. That is how people will see you, no matter what you tell them you are on the inside. You might tell yourself you have a kind heart, but we won’t believe you if you’re dropkicking puppies every Saturday night.

Girls may be getting the talk about staying pure, saying no and protecting yourself. Let’s acknowledge that those lessons apply to guys too.

Being in a relationship with someone opens a Pandora’s Box of possibilities. It can be great, but it’s a double-edged sword.

Look up from your screen; it will still be there after you enjoy the company of the people around you. Those people won’t be there forever.

Lastly, there is no time like the college time. I highly recommend writing your experiences down so you can look back on the memories you’ll make. Your brain won’t stay sharp forever.

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion Tagged With: Campus Life, Column

Other Opinion:

  • Skipping class is a drug

  • Athletics have a lack of traditions leading to low engagement from students

  • Directionless but encouraged: My experience on The College Tour’s film set

About Ben Todd

You are here: Home / Opinion / Columns / A quick lesson in college life

Other Opinion:

  • Skipping class is a drug

  • Athletics have a lack of traditions leading to low engagement from students

  • Directionless but encouraged: My experience on The College Tour’s film set

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
2 Feb

BREAKING: Campus will be operating remotely in the morning. Any classes after 1 p.m. will be in person.

Reply on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Retweet on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Like on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Twitter 1620939263557734401
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
31 Jan

BREAKING: Campus will continue operating remotely Wednesday due to continued icy conditions.

Reply on Twitter 1620523455421779970 Retweet on Twitter 1620523455421779970 Like on Twitter 1620523455421779970 1 Twitter 1620523455421779970

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

5 days ago

The Optimist
ACU’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter raised money for the Living Waters Charity by putting on a show in the span of 24 hours. See more photos from our gallery: ... See MoreSee Less

Gallery: 24-Hour Musical tells the heartwarming story of Junie B. Jones - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

ACU’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter raised money for the Living Waters Charity by putting on a show in the span of 24 hours. This year, the department chose to perform the beloved children’s musical “...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

1 week ago

The Optimist
Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. Read more: ... See MoreSee Less

Student life implements new software, updates rushing process - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. The Campus Director software has an algorithm programmed to match rushe...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Jan. 25, 2023

Tune in to this week's newscast for a look at Greek Life rushing, the annual ... [Read More…]

  • Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Podcasts

© 2023 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved