When I committed to Syracuse University back in 2018, my parents and teachers kept telling me how quickly the next four years would go by. I just kept brushing it off thinking I had all the time in the world. I was wrong. These past four years have gone by extremely fast, but have been the best times of my life! Here are 10 things I’ve learned over my last four years at Syracuse University.
- How to create my own opportunities
I’ve learned that college does not simply hand you opportunities. You need to put in a lot of effort to be as successful as you want. Jobs do not fall into your lap and ambitions do not materialize. You have to put in the effort and make things happen. Just do it! Reach out, chat to people, connect and network. - Live life with no regrets
Experience as much as possible because your four years at Syracuse University go by faster than you think! - Live in the present
College can be a stressful time. I found I was always worrying about the future and dwelling on the past when I should have been more grateful for the opportunities and experiences I was dealing with in the present. - Sometimes friendships change
The friendships we have in our first year of college may be completely different from our fourth year of college, and this is completely normal. I’ve learned that people change, find new interests and, sometimes, naturally just grow apart. - You do not need to know exactly what you want to do with your life
There has been a stigma that you need to know exactly what you want to do with your life when you get into college. Let me tell you, this is not true. I got into Syracuse University as a neuroscience major and I am graduating with a communications degree. Your interests change as you experience college more. It is okay to change your major. It is OK to graduate not knowing your desired career path. - It’s okay to be alone or take a break
College can be a really social place. Living with roommates, attending classes with lots of people, and taking on other social responsibilities we have as students. Although I loved every minute of it, I sometimes found myself crashing and needing a break and some alone time. - How to balance
You must strike a balance between your career, your family, your friends, your free time and a variety of other issues. It’s a lot more difficult than it appears, but coming to college and having a lot more responsibilities allowed me to practice and build my balancing skills. - Take care of your mind and body
This is one of the most important things I’ve learned over my college journey. If you don’t pay attention to your mental health and your body’s health it can really affect you. Be sure to exercise when you can, rest when you are sick and eat nutritious and filling meals. - Don’t put limits on yourself
With the stress of academics, social life and other commitments, it can sometimes seem unreasonable to join that club you are interested in or even plan a night to hang out with friends. What I’ve learned is to go for it! Life moves quickly, and if you don’t do the things you love and that make you happy, when will you ever have time? - Who you really are
Throughout your four years of college, you will learn a lot about yourself. You’ll learn how you deal with tasks under pressure, you will mature and you will really understand what you are passionate about. While these four years go by fast, the most important thing I have learned is to enjoy and embrace your time here. You’ll only be a college student once!
Written by Haley Mykytka ’22, College of Visual and Performing Arts