20 Things I've Learned In College

1. First impressions are often wrong.

2. You should probably finish your reading instead of binge-watching Arrested Development.

3. Conversely, if you've gotten your homework done, totally binge-watch. It's good for the soul.

4. Usually when the professor says "This isn't something you can do the night before," they're actually right.

5. A lot of the clichéd advice you get is really valuable. (i.e. "get involved!" "get sleep!" "don't date first semester!")

6. If you haven't found the kind of friend group you're looking for, keep trying and give it time. I didn't find them until second semester was almost over.

7. God wants to teach you things.

8. In order for God to teach you things, you have to spend time with Him. Which takes effort.

9. Biology

10. Having to switch your class schedule around isn't the end of the world.

11. Be careful with your money.

12. Getting good grades requires more effort than it did in high school.

13. Grades are important, but they aren't everything (they're not going to go on your resume).

14. Freshmen, get to know the upperclassmen. Upperclassmen (or anyone who's not a freshman), get to know the freshmen. Don't make fun of them and don't write them off.

15. Wax paper is not the same as parchment paper. And wax paper should not go in the oven.

16. Coffee is your friend. It wants to help you. Embrace it.

17. Always carry gum.

18. Don't be afraid to be afraid. The end of your comfort zone is the beginning of growth.

19. Be present. You miss a lot when you aren't.

20. Give charitable judgement.

8.7.15 // 12:14 am // Something Resembling a Poem

I had plans for my night after TAG training ended.
I was going to shave my legs
And unpack my stuff
And, most important, watch Netflix.
Until a knock at my door,
And a "Hey, we're watching Zoboomafoo."
I could have stayed in my room.
I could have shaved my legs
And unpacked
And watched Netflix.
Or,
I could have watched Zoboomafoo for fifteen minutes
And ended up praying
And crying
And laughing
And laughing 'till I cried.
I could have been vulnerable
And trusted people with things
I don't usually tell.
I could have played games
And been loud
And stayed up way past my bedtime.

Sometimes it's good to remember
I can live with hairy legs for another day.
My room can wait for just one night.
Netflix will always be there for me later.
Even Zomoomafoo can wait.
Because tonight I had fellowship.
I had a band of girls who I trusted.
I had things I never dreamed God would provide me
But He did.
Because He knows my needs,
He hears my prayers,
And He doesn't allow man to be an island.

So sometimes, remember:
There are responsibilities you have to attend to,
But not tonight.
Give yourself a break,
Wait until tomorrow,
Thank God for what is in front of you
And cherish the moment while it lasts.
My night was not what I planned.
Waking up tomorrow will be hard.
But nothing,
Nothing,
Can take the happiness of this memory from me
And that is far greater
Than any chore.