college, man

In a few days, I am going to embark on the second half of my first year of college.  After reading Melanie's list of lessons learned, I thought I would create my own, because that's what college is all about after all!

Going to college gives you a lot of room (figuratively speaking--dorm rooms are tiny) to discover things about yourself and the kind of person you want to become.  I have been very lucky to have the opportunity to go to school in Portland, because as far as I am concerned, it is one of the most creative, thriving, beautiful, outright weirdest city ever to live in.

Things I've learned from my experiences:

• Netflix Instant can be your best friend or your worst enemy.  
• Coffee is beautiful.  Half coffee/half chocolate milk is a must in the Bon when you need a pick-me-up.
• Napping is a necessary pastime.
• The paper WILL get written, so there's no need to stress out about it.
• Sloth colonies exist, but you need a permit.
• It's acceptable to bring a sloth dressed in a girl's pink onesie and bow to a tea place.
• Bubble tea is delicious.
• Finding a job on campus is easier than you think.
• I have a LOT to learn about the theatre world.
• Ragging costumes takes hours and may result in injuries from seam rippers.
• Sometimes you need to construct a squirrel cape for a show.
• Baked goods will cheer up yourself, friends, and strangers.
• Laundry detergent is EXPENSIVE.
• Grocery shopping holds way too many opportunities to spend all your money on food.  Don't go unless you need something specific or have a list.
• Leaving the wikipedia page for "Procrastination" up on your web browser is a good way to remind yourself that you have business to take care of.
• College is a lot of reading.
• Explore the neighborhoods of Portland every weekend, or at least find a coffee place to study at downtown so you don't go crazy being on campus all the time.
• Although...sometimes it's better to lock yourself in your room than find somewhere cool to study.
• Make sure to find the things that are vital to your existence (macarons).
• Making new friends can be rough.
• ALWAYS watch Glee with fellow Gleeks on Tuesday nights.  (New Girl, too.)
• If you find a boy who loves baking and Harry Potter and has a beard, make him your boyfriend ASAP.
• Go to school events.
• Care packages brighten your day, your week, pretty much your whole month.
• Find at least one person you can spill your guts out to when you're homesick or overwhelmed.
• Cover your walls with photos, cards, and memories that you accumulate.  
• Mullets are back.  You heard it here first.  (And no, I do not condone this trend.)
• People can surprise you, in good ways and in bad ways.
• Sour Patch Kids are GREAT late night brain food.  No regrets.
• Stay connected with friends and family and blog often so you stay sane.
• Stay warm with copious amounts of blankets, sweaters, and scarves.  And bearded boyfriends.
• The rainy weather can effect your mood pretty poorly, so be sure to soak up the sun when it's out and stay positive when it won't resurface for days.
• Sometimes the best burgers are little.
• Smile at everyone, because you will see them at least three times a day walking around campus.
• FOOD IS SO GOOD.  EAT ALL OF IT.

And so, so much more.  It's about time to go back to learn some more...