May 25, 2013.
Like, what?
Wasn't that just a few months ago? Didn't I start college a few weeks ago? No? Okay then.
It's so weird to think I'm halfway done with an undergraduate degree, but I feel like I just got started. People don't lie when they say college can be four of the best years of your life, but they don't lie when they say it flies by either.
I've learned a lot in college. I've learned lots of calculus. I've learned that Chickfila actually can get old. I've learned I hate ab day at the gym, but I love peanut butter with chocolate protein shake days at the gym. I've learned that things, people, and circumstances change, and I'm still learning to be okay with that. I've learned that sometimes you have to stay up until 7 AM to work on a project, but I've also learned it's much more bearable with your best friend sitting beside you. I've learned to never study in groups larger than five. I've learned that memory foam mattress toppers are the best. On a related note, I've learned I can get ready for class in 15 minutes.
I've learned I never want to stop playing the clarinet. I've learned that Wednesdays in the Perry are the best, but you have to be methodical in your visit that day. I've learned that losing out on some sleep is worth it to just sit and talk with your best friends. I've learned that snow days at college are so much fun and that going out for a second time in one day at 8:00 at night is just as fun as the daytime. (Especially when you make a Mickey Mouse snowman).
I've learned that there are people out there who are just as big of nerds as me. I've learned there are people who share my passions for Star Wars, Disney, logic puzzles, and nerdy TV shows to name a few (and sometimes people share more than one!). I've learned that spontaneous trips to anywhere, whether it be elsewhere on campus or down the road to Sonic, are always a good idea.
I've learned that Tuesdays at the Wesley are my favorite way to spend my Tuesdays. I've learned that not all random roommates turn out badly. I've learned that sometimes you go four months without seeing your best friend, but that doesn't make you love her any less. I've learned that people who drive two and a half hours to be with you on your birthday are special people. I've learned that a lot of people in college still have no idea what they want to do with their lives.
I've learned that I'm not the big fish in the pond of Lewisburg anymore. I've learned that Mississippi will always be home. I've learned that SEC football with the Famous Maroon Band is the best way to do SEC football. I've learned that when your friend calls you at 10:30 at night and asks if you want to dress up in fancy clothes and go to Walmart, you say yes and go put on a dress. I've learned that finals week is the worst. I've learned that August heat in Starkville is just as bad as August heat in Olive Branch.
I've learned that sitting in your den with your dying cat, with the rest your family asleep, and telling your best friend of 16 years, with tears falling down your face, that if it was time for him to go, that was okay, is a sad moment of growing older. I've learned that watching him take his last breath the next day isn't easy, but it's a relief to know he's free of the pain. I've learned that parking far away from the door at Walmart or any big store is okay because I'm used to having to park way off from the door of my dorm. I've learned that confetti cannons are pretty awesome. I've learned that wearing polyester uniforms in the middle of the day in the August heat is less than enjoyable.
I've learned that being sober at college is completely possible. I've learned that people just two years older than you can seem so much wiser. I've learned that seeing my spoiled-rotten-still-thinks-he's-a-puppy dog waiting on the porch as I drive down the driveway is one of the best parts about coming home. I've learned that your friend getting a puppy right before finals week is one of the best things ever.
I've learned more about who I am and who the people are that I hold dear. I've learned some much needed whys to answer questions I've had about myself and others for years. I've learned that my best friends aren't perfect, but they're imperfectly wonderful in so many ways. I've learned that we're all fighting our own demons, and it's the people who stand up to fight them with us that are some of our biggest supporters.
It's crazy how much college can open your eyes in two short years. It's crazy to think of how much more eye-opening these last two years will bring.
Here's to many more great memories, to many more of life's teachable moments, to many more late nights, to many more Starbuck's visits, to much more cowbell ringing, and to whatever else life may throw my way.
I may not be able to catch it, but I can take what I've got and put it back together. I'm an engineer. It's what I do.
So if you're reading this and about to embark on a college adventure of your own, I wish you luck. I wish you learn as much as I have in two years. I wish you love it as much as I do.
I graduated from high school two years ago today.
However, the girl that walked across the stage that day isn't here anymore.
And I'm okay with that.
Until next time,
Mo
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