Graduation season is upon us! After walking across that stage and accepting my degree, I, like many other graduates, are preparing for the relaity of entering into adulthood.
“Mama, I made it!”
Around this time of year, I’m sure many of you are stressing out about life after college. But, with all of that’s going on in your world; have you had the time to reflect? You know, like really let it all soak in that your four years are up? I don’t know about y’all, but lately that’s all that I’ve been doing. Anytime I get a break to just relax, my mind is constantly taking a trip down memory lane to when my college journey began.
When you look back on these past four years, are you satisfied with your experience? Do you feel like you have maximized every opportunity, made lasting relationships, and have truly found yourself?
Well, if I’m being honest, and you know I have to tell y’all the real because y’all are my girls, I don’t feel like I have.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been thinking about what I would do differently if I was granted another four years to re-do undergrad with the knowledge and experience that I have today. With that in mind, I want to share my perspective with the hopes that I can encourage a younger me to get the most out of her college experience before it’s over.
If I could do undergrad all over again, here’s what I would do:
1. Not Stress Over GPA:
Now, I’m not saying that you should just slack off in all of your classes, because academic probation is alive and well and you can get kicked out. What I am saying is that you shouldn’t stress about your grades so much that you aren’t enjoying the experience of being in college. Designate time throughout the week to study and catch up on assignments, so that you can have free time on the weekend to relax and have fun.
2. Make New Friends:
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. It’s all fine and dandy to have your crew of friends who you met before coming to college, or in your dorm, but branch out a little so that you have options when your girls are getting on your nerves. (I’m just being real!)
3. Be More Involved:
Join as many organizations on campus of interest and that work with your schedule. They are great resume builders, and it’s a chance for you to take on leadership roles.
4. Stop Going Home:
Learn how to deal with your problems, instead of running back home all of the time. This will help you to build confidence, strength and you will be around more to truly experience campus life.
What would you like to change about your college experience?
Malia Brown (@iammaliatyler) is an ESSENCE College Ambassador, writer and on-air personality. She attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and majors in Political Science and Journalism. She reports on beauty, pop culture, and lifestyle news.