Laine the Recent Grad
I can't believe I'm saying this but I am officially a college graduate. That's right. I, Laine Greblunas, have graduated from college. It feels like only yesterday when I walked onto the campus at the University of South Dakota as a freshman. I can't believe how fast the time flies. I remember my first freshman class so vividly. I remember how scared I was to be sitting in a lecture hall full of 50 plus people, all older than me. I remember accepting my bid card to Alpha Xi Delta and I remember my first post on this blog. I remember the person I was a freshman.
It's crazy to think that you can go to college one day and four years later come out a completely different person. It's also crazy to think that I'll have a career soon. That is the one thing that I find so completely crazy. For the past 10 years I have lived off of babysitting money, minimum wage, and part time jobs. Now, I'll be entering the work force where I will have benefits, vacation days, paid leave, and a full time job.
Now as I sit at home seeing my brother go through the exact same thing I went through four years ago, I can't help but laugh. I remember when I thought I had it figured out before I went college. I remember thinking that my high school friends were the only great friends I would have and that college couldn't possibly provide me with people that I can connect with. Boy, was I wrong. I walked onto campus knowing only one person. Now, I walked out having 80 plus sisters and numerous friends and connections. I walked in undecided in what I wanted to major in and I walked out with a degree in Contemporary Media and Journalism.
I honestly couldn't have asked for a better college experience. I made so many friends all the while feeling safe and comfortable even though I was 120 miles from home. I ventured out of my comfort zone and lived with 50 other women in a sorority house. Then, took responsibility by renting my first apartment where I paid bills and managed my money (or lack thereof). I joined organizations that I, initially, had no interest in. I got involved outside and within the Vermillion community. I took classes that challenged me above and beyond what high school could have provided me with. I took a job at a daycare without realizing how much I would fall in love with it. I experienced relationships with guys that didn't know me as a second grader. I drafted more resumes and cover letters along with applying for internships and jobs. I thought about my future more than I ever had in high school.
During college, you have the ability to think only about yourself. As much as I love my parents and I value their opinion greatly, they had no influence on what I picked as a major. They didn't pay my bills for me or tutor me through my classes. My parents let me fly. And that is the greatest thing about college. You have the freedom to fly. You decide where you want your life to go and you decide how you're going to get there. Your future is literally right in front of you! The home you have had all your life will always be there for you and, trust me, it's nice to go back and be with your family and loved ones. But you never know what you're capable of until you are one step from crossing your limit. Don't be afraid of what college has to offer you. Take the hard classes, meet new people, experience new things. Because four years from now you'll look back on what was college and be so grateful for the experience.
If I could give my piece of advice to high school graduates it would be this: don't be afraid of new things. Embrace college with all it has to offer you. It will be the best four years of your life.
It's crazy to think that you can go to college one day and four years later come out a completely different person. It's also crazy to think that I'll have a career soon. That is the one thing that I find so completely crazy. For the past 10 years I have lived off of babysitting money, minimum wage, and part time jobs. Now, I'll be entering the work force where I will have benefits, vacation days, paid leave, and a full time job.
Now as I sit at home seeing my brother go through the exact same thing I went through four years ago, I can't help but laugh. I remember when I thought I had it figured out before I went college. I remember thinking that my high school friends were the only great friends I would have and that college couldn't possibly provide me with people that I can connect with. Boy, was I wrong. I walked onto campus knowing only one person. Now, I walked out having 80 plus sisters and numerous friends and connections. I walked in undecided in what I wanted to major in and I walked out with a degree in Contemporary Media and Journalism.
I honestly couldn't have asked for a better college experience. I made so many friends all the while feeling safe and comfortable even though I was 120 miles from home. I ventured out of my comfort zone and lived with 50 other women in a sorority house. Then, took responsibility by renting my first apartment where I paid bills and managed my money (or lack thereof). I joined organizations that I, initially, had no interest in. I got involved outside and within the Vermillion community. I took classes that challenged me above and beyond what high school could have provided me with. I took a job at a daycare without realizing how much I would fall in love with it. I experienced relationships with guys that didn't know me as a second grader. I drafted more resumes and cover letters along with applying for internships and jobs. I thought about my future more than I ever had in high school.
During college, you have the ability to think only about yourself. As much as I love my parents and I value their opinion greatly, they had no influence on what I picked as a major. They didn't pay my bills for me or tutor me through my classes. My parents let me fly. And that is the greatest thing about college. You have the freedom to fly. You decide where you want your life to go and you decide how you're going to get there. Your future is literally right in front of you! The home you have had all your life will always be there for you and, trust me, it's nice to go back and be with your family and loved ones. But you never know what you're capable of until you are one step from crossing your limit. Don't be afraid of what college has to offer you. Take the hard classes, meet new people, experience new things. Because four years from now you'll look back on what was college and be so grateful for the experience.
If I could give my piece of advice to high school graduates it would be this: don't be afraid of new things. Embrace college with all it has to offer you. It will be the best four years of your life.
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