If you could do it all over... (College Edition)

Whenever we come to the end of a chapter in our lives, many of us tend to look back on all the experiences that got us to that point. Some of us are filled with regret, others simply accept their mistakes and move on, while some, very few, did absolutely nothing wrong and have led perfect lives.

So here I am, standing on the threshold of an uncertain future, and inevitably I begin to re-think my entire college career. What would I have done differently if given the chance? This intrigued me so much that I decided to do a poll about it to see what others thought as well. The most popular responses (and how to avoid them) are below:

I wish I had...

5. Made better relationship decisions

I think this hits home for everyone. Whether it be friends, boyfriends or girlfriends, we look back and think it was a colossal waste of time. Although we acknowledge that everyone is in our lives for a reason and a season, we must admit that some people are just plain toxic and the quicker they are gone the better. Spend time with people who uplift you. Ladies, if everything that comes out of his mouth is a harsh criticism that he deems a "joke" he's not uplifting you. Guys if all she does is complain that you aren't doing anything with your life when you know you're working hard, she's not uplifting you. If all your friends do is laugh when you tell them your dreams, they are not uplifting you. Sometimes we find ourselves nursing a broken relationship oblivious to the fact that life and opportunities are passing us by. Any relationship that forces you to choose between it and your friends, family or education is not worth having. Remove the weeds in your life that leach and stifle your growth. 

4. Had better study habits/ a better academic record

We go to college to get a degree. Plain and simple. We lose sight of that so many times. We get distracted by relationships, clubs, greek life, partying etc. I've spoken to a few alumni that have returned as recruiters for their company and one thing they tell me each time is how important a solid GPA is. Regardless of how well spoken and well rounded you are, if you are below a certain threshold it is difficult to make it very far with some companies. As a Chemical Engineering student, in my research of companies in my field such at Chevron, Shell and BP, having a GPA below 3.5 will not even get you an interview. Sadly most of this knowledge becomes apparent when we are seniors and we're looking for jobs or graduate schools. Suddenly that decision to go partying all weekend before your finals in sophomore year seem like an insanely stupid idea. Remember why you're here. Make time for fun, but remember that its your education that'll take you furthest.

3. Been more involved on campus

If I had a nickel for each time I heard this line then.... well.... I'd have a lot of nickels. We get stuck in either of 2 things; getting solely enveloped in academics so we build no relationships other than late night rendezvous with textbooks; or partying so much that more bartenders than professors know your name. College is where you create yourself. Explore different avenues and decide which is best for you. Join more than one student organization, volunteer, take a real interest in your university and what affects it. At the end of our college career many of us find ourselves looking back and realizing that other than our GPA there isn't much else to put on our resumes. It's always best to take initiative, regardless of where you are.

2. Chosen another major/ college

Unfortunately this is the plight of many college seniors/ graduates (more than we'd like to admit). Bottom line, do what makes you happy! I know that this sounds cliche (and if you're anything like me, just that fact would make you want to stop reading) but it's reality. Many of us spend 4 or more years toiling through a major simply because our parents want us to, or because we think its the safer choice. At the end of the day we are the ones stuck living the life based on the choices we make. So choose what makes your life worth living! Now its all well and good to have this optimistic point of view, but let's be realistic for a moment. I admit that sometimes you may find yourself in a position where doing what you want may not necessarily be feasible. Let's face it, if you could go to art school in Paris and make a good living by painting portraits on the bank of the river Seine why wouldn't you?! We have to play the cards we're dealt. If changing your major/ college is absolutely out of the question, then find an outlet to express yourself. Those close to me know that I am an artist trapped inside of an engineer's body. Engineering, though intriguing, is not what makes my heart skip a beat. I have however been able to find a balance through art as a hobby. I am constantly sketching and painting (well I do it in the free time when engineering isn't trying to suck out my soul). The fact is, finding a way to make your situation work in a way that makes you most happy is definitely worth the effort.

1. Savored my college experience more

This was the most popular response. Always make the most of each moment you have. Dream big, take more risks and always make some time to let your hair down and party. We're all in such a rush to graduate/ get a job/ go to graduate school/ make some money, whatever it may be. We are so consumed with running toward our destination of "Success" that we forget to savor our present moment. Those older than I have often told me that college would be the highlight of my life. I've always thought that that was such a depressing outlook on my future, but nonetheless it forced me to be a bit more appreciative of my present. So slow down! Enjoy the scenery while you're on your journey.