College is a new experience for us all. I know that sounds obvious, but we often don’t take the time to reflect on what our college life means so far. For many of us, it is our first time away from our parents and family. If you are from out of state, you are leaving friends behind that you may have known for your entire lives.
We tend to look back at things when they are over, not while they are happening. We live our lives with regret because we missed out on an opportunity or something that would’ve changed our lives for the better.
Recently, I changed my major and my whole college experience has changed. My goals and aspirations were divided. While I was happy I changed my major, I didn’t know how much the rest of my life influenced my actions in college. Before I changed my major, I asked myself, what am I getting out of college? I also asked myself, what should I get out of my college experience?
Each person attending college has their own goals, values and interests. This is the basis of thought for what you should get out of college, and that is goals that you have set for yourself.
What is stopping us from achieving our goals? Why are people so dissatisfied after leaving college? If you ever think this, you probably aren’t getting the most out of your experience. If there are things you want to do before you are done with college, the only way to do them is to act. Nothing is done through contemplation and thinking.
If you do a simple cost-benefit analysis or a pros and cons list of your goals, you will realize it is in your favor to act. Through this, college teaches your strengths, weaknesses and where in life you want to improve.
Many people today debate the value of attending college. Colleges nowadays are getting more and more expensive. People think the experience itself isn’t worth it, but it is about taking advantage of the four years.
There is also a social aspect of attending a university. To some people, that may not matter, but for most, college is the only time you have in life to transform yourself and figure out what you are interested in. College is a transitioning period in life where you decide your future. That, ultimately, is what you should spend your time in college doing.