When someone says to me a year like 2012, I think oh that wasn’t long ago. It was just a year or two back, right?
But in 2012, I was in my freshman year of college. 2012 was 8 years ago which actually is a lot. I can’t believe how much time has passed since I graduated in 2015.
While I was in college, everyone said not to rush through it. That you’d look back and wish you had more than 4 years. And it’s true, but it’s not advice I usually give. Because we can’t help but to rush through things. When I was in high school I just wanted to be in college, when I was in college I just wanted to give my liver and my brain a break and be out in the working world, and now I just want to hurry up and retire.
My college experience was definitely a double edged sword. I went through all that shit you have to go through to find yourself, which isn’t exactly a pain free process. On one hand, I learned a lot. I met some really great friends. I have some really epic stories. I got to live with my best friends for years and share their clothes, and laughs, and tears – I just always had someone there who was down to do something, anything.
On the other hand, I had terrible coping mechanisms for stress and depression. I did a lot of things I regret, some that are good stories and some that still make me sick to my stomach. I didn’t work as hard as I should have. I wasn’t as good of a person as I should have been.
Nonetheless, I made it out and into the real world. And I still miss those good parts about college a lot, who wouldn’t? But my experience in those 4 years set me up to be successful now which I am grateful for.
And it’s kind of embarrassing to admit, but 5 years later I’m still trying to get over some of those painful college lessons. Some relationships and memories stay with me and and effect me to this day. I carry a lot with me that I should’ve dropped long ago, but that’s just part of growing up.
5 years out of college and I’ll say it – time flies. And life is different. But there’s a lot of good happening now that I never really expected. I think college me would be proud, but a little disappointed in how lame I’ve become. 😉
Rosie Culture 
terrifying how quickly it goes too… anniversary of my final hand in came around the other day and I couldn’t believe where the years have gone! Definitely agree on the stress and coping levels!
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I appreciate you sharing your college experience with us. I’m totally feeling that way right now where I wish I can get out and just go work! I would be working rn if I didn’t go back to school for a different major actually LOL but yeah uni life is definitely a double edged sword. It’s good to look back on it and be able to take things away from our experience(s). Also you’re not lame!!! 😉
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Hahah thank you! So hard not to rush through life!
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College memories are so nortalgic. You will feel it after years and years.
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2012 was the year I graduated! I try not to dwell on those years. I was the opposite to you. I worked really hard because I wanted first class honours. I figured I could live it up after I graduated, and I sure did.
But they were also tough times financially for my family. I almost had to drop out twice, so that threat constantly hanging over my head was no fun. My first year of college, there was also a water shortage and I went about a year without running water. A lot of people got sick that year. My final year of university, we had the Tivoli Excursion where the US stirred up trouble in Jamaica. A lot of people died that year. There were bodies filling truck beds and nursing students got called into action to help with the chaos. It was madness. Gas stations set on fire, bullets flying in certain parts of the city, military occupying certain areas to try to keep peace.
I’m grateful for those experiences though. I think a lot of first worlders take first world life for granted and I would too if that was my only reality. But, having lived through those experiences, I know how to live on less, tackle stress and keep my head above water. I don’t think I’d have those same skill sets if I didn’t live through what I had.
We all have our struggles and they suck to each of us equally because those are our realities. In another five years, maybe you can laugh a little more about college. ☺️
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Hopefully! We’ve definitely had majorly different life experiences!
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Very different 😅
But they say time heals all!
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I’ve been thinking a lot about my time at college recently and your article struck a nerve (although a relatable one). It’s so crazy to think about how much happened during college and how influential everything was (especially in terms of friendships/relationships)!
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yes! friendships and relationships were really redefined in college
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I can relate to still processing some of what happened during and right after college. That’s so good that you are proud of yourself. I am proud of my growth too.
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Great post! College is a very important part of life and developing who you truly are.
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Such a well written post. I am myself supposed to graduate this year. I could relate to some of your points very well. Following you right away 🙂
Wish you good luck for your future endeavors !
I have also written a blog describing lessons i learnt in my graduation years. Do give it a read.
Also let’s connect over wordpress ❤
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I travelled abroad for college it’s not as easy i thought it would be. .but I’m figuring myself everyday! thank you for sharing your experience…may lots of blessings come your way
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