By: Elizabeth Billings
Deciding where to go to college was a relatively easy decision for me. I grew up in the city of my parents alma mater. Many of our family friends were and still are people my parents went to college with. When my older brother decided to follow in their footsteps, I wasn’t surprised at all.
Fast forward three years and it was my turn to make my college decision. The idea of staying in the same city I grew up in no longer bothered me and I felt the comfort of being close to home. Also, I looked forward to continuing my internship I had started the summer before college and all seemed content.
However, there was one thing I didn’t realize: my experience would be a lot different than my parents or my brother’s. I thought attending the same school as my family would entail a similar experience. But, shortly into my freshman year, I knew that wasn’t true.
As I am nearly almost halfway done with college and reflect on the ups and downs I have endured, I remind myself of the advice my parents gave me: “It is okay that your college experience is different from ours. It shouldn’t be the same – you are uniquely yourself so take advantage of that.”
I remind myself of this advice daily. Sure, I attend the same school as my parents and brother did, but it is my experiences that shape my college experience for me. The clubs, the service I am involved in, my sorority, my internship, all uniquely shape my college experience for me. I am grateful to say that I have learned to individualistic mindset.
So, if you’re feeling the way I did remember these two tips I continue to tell myself. And bring yourself to your own individualistic mindset.
Embrace who you are. Reflects on what makes you, you!
Enjoy where you’re at and don’t get caught up in comparing yourselves to others. You’ll never truly be happy if you do.