Class of 2020 – we are world changers. We are the generation that shakes the snow globe off its axis. We ask hard questions. We use our voices to advocate for the voiceless. We endure individual discomfort so that the greater good of humanity can benefit. We sit in uncertainty for as long as it takes to learn from it. We are resilient. And together, we will rise. Here are three of my greatest lessons from undergrad.
1. Evolve.
The point of college is not to get a degree. Sure, this is the goal from the onset. However, the true purpose of college lies in who you become on your way to obtaining the degree. Allow college to awaken the creative outlets and hidden hobbies that have yet to blossom fully in your life. Do you love to write? Do you enjoy debates? Have a heart for travel? Want to learn a language? Seeing and understanding a world outside yourself can awaken unexplored parts of the heart.
Prior to college, I lacked a clear purpose and entertained conflicting priorities for my future. However, the last five years of undergrad have consisted of the most enriching experiences of my life. My biggest piece of advice: Be open to opportunities. Study abroad. Learn a language. Sign up for an intramural. Join the executive board of a club. You won’t know how big the world is until you start exploring areas outside your comfort zone. Say “yes” often – watch your world change.
2. Prune.
If you had asked me as a freshman what the five highest values I hold were, I would have stared blankly at you, dazed and confused. Prior to college, most young adults adopt the viewpoints and belief systems of their parents (I was certainly no exception). Our upbringing is the primary outlet from which we receive information. It isn’t until college that our beliefs are called to testify and questioned for validity.
If we accept the invitation to deep introspection, we must examine our every value, belief, and norm in order to acknowledge where pruning must occur. This is the beauty of a college campus. Perhaps for the first time, we are surrounded by people with opposing viewpoints. No longer can we cluster in churches, neighborhoods, and homes solely populated with like-minded individuals. Rather it is an invitation to lean in and consider a world outside ourselves, if not to change our thinking, at least to understand another’s perspective. Pruning can be painful but it is always worth it.
3. Embrace Fear.
Growing up, we’re taught to steer clear of danger at all cost. While I do not advocate for life threatening scenarios, I have found my best moments exist on the other side of intense fear. The second you step up to the podium before giving a speech. The pure terror of standing at the edge of a plane, flying 13,000 feet above ground. The minutes leading up to the job interview. My most rewarding moments were birthed from sweaty palms and a racing heartbeat.
How do you find fear-induced moments? Luckily, college is full of them. You go out on a limb. You put yourself in uncomfortable situations. You normalize uncertainty. You embrace fear. Rather than retreat, you stand with feet firmly planted. If you fall, you get back up. If you fail, you take it as feedback. Regardless of the outcome, you will learn. Fear once lived through leaves lessons that comfort can never teach. My best moments came from doing it afraid. Now, I use fear as an indication that I am moving in the right direction. Let fear be your compass.
Undergrad is exactly what you make of it. If you spend time cultivating meaningful friendships, you will reap deep connection. If you devote time to your studies, you will achieve good grades. Similarly, if you seek out opportunities, you will find them.
You are authoring your story – write well, edit often.