Life, as I see it today.

Seeing that this is my first blog entry and my college life is coming to an end it only seems appropriate to write about my college experience. So I will provide to you what I've learned throughout the past four and half years. Let me give you the back story before I jump into my list of things that I've learned, not only about myself, but life in general.

When I was a senior in high school-which seemed like decades ago-my father told me, "Mandy, maybe college isn't for you" followed with, "college isn't for everyone ya know!" Hearing this come from my biggest supporter hit me harder than it would coming from anyone else. What didn't help the situation even further was that my brother was on the verge of failing out of college his freshmen year. He found that partying and skipping class was way more entertaining and exciting that actually attending class and doing the work. So, not only did I have my father barking in my ear about how college isn't for everyone, he was also assuming I'd follow in the steps of my brother.

So now four and half years later, I've proved him wrong. I proved myself wrong as well. Going into freshmen year I had no idea what to expect, terrified of gaining the "freshmen 15", and would make absolutely no friends.

Well, what I learned was this:

I learned that the key to graduating was going to class.

I learned that making friends is a lot easier than I expected.

I learned that people will surprise you, in good and bad ways.

I learned that your best friend will betray you.

I learned that living with your best friend will ruin a friendship.

I learned that sleep was no longer a priority.

I learned that coffee was something I'd come to depend on.

I learned that cheap beer will give you just as good a buzz as expensive beer.

I learned what the "walk of shame: meant--though i never did it.

I learned what it was like to be in an unhappy relationship.

I learned that procrastination was a habit I should kick--only recently did I figure this out.

I learned that with losing a good friend, you gain an even better one.

I learned to embrace loneliness.

I learned that scheduling classes at 9am was too early and 5pm was too late.

I learned to appreciate the little things--such as a dishwasher and a washer/dryer

I learned to manage money.

I learned how to spend money stupidly.

I learned that I could have probably lived without a credit card.

I learned to live on my own.

I learned that professors will be more understanding than you think.

I learned to put myself out there, whata have to lose?

I learned that going out and getting drunk isn't as fun as staying in and having "roomie night."

I learned to eat on the fly.

I learned to take home leftovers from mom and dads house.

I learned to ask the questions that people don't like to ask.

I learned to speak my mind, but in a respectful way.

I learned that life isn't easy.

I know this is a wide rage of things. But they're all things that I've encountered and that have changed me and help shape who I am today... just nine days away from graduation.