MY FIRST YEAR IN COLLEGE
Random Thoughts on College Life and the Revelation That My  Parents Were Right !
by Tory Hayden

People can try and prepare you for college, telling you all the great things and the pitfalls of being on your own for the first time.  But, of course we don't really listen to the advice being shelled out by our parents, especially.

I remember my mom telling me, "This won't be like high school, there won't be someone there reminding you to do homework or study for your exams!"  Of course I had heard it all before, and nodded with my usual complacency "Yea, mom I KNOW!"

My first year in college has turned out to be more challenging than I thought.  The freedom away from the watchful eye of my parents has been exhilarating and liberating but also a little scary.  It has been difficult balancing all the activities, the school work, practice (since I play softball), and not too mention the monthly allowance.  Don't get me wrong, I love being here, and I love the new world that has been opened up to me.  It's just different, and I am adjusting.

Some things I hope to do different in my next year are:  1.) Realize I have to spend more time studying than socializing, 2.) Eat more often in the cafeteria, as opposed to making Taco Bell and McDonalds richer, and 3.) Spend more time working out (exercising) to keep me in the shape that is most beneficial to my team, which is how I can afford to attend this college anyway.

You see, I have come to realize that it's not enough being here, more so that I really do have a purpose here:  that is to get the education that will make me the most successful I can be.  Placing academics above everything else, and still enjoy the college experience.