When I was younger and I imagined going to college, I had a
pretty clear picture in my head of what it would be like: new friends, random
afternoon naps, a sporadic class schedule, and constantly being surrounded by
knowledge. I thought about the mountains of books I would pore over, the
thousands of pages of notes I would take, the long hours into the early
mornings spent making every last word of my essays perfect. Looking back on my
experiences I realized that there was something much more important that I
learned; something that will always be with me and always serve me well. Not
only did I fill my head with every last bit of information about the Expectancy Violations Theory, I also learned to never, ever stop seeking knowledge. I learned to
always ask: Why?
The biggest mistake of an assumption that I made about
college was then when you’re done, you know everything you need to know to be
successful. That pretty piece of paper that is mailed to you a few weeks after
moving back into your parents’ basement was proof that you were qualified to
get a career and start your life.
I’ve been out of college for over a year and I think I’ve
learned more since leaving than I ever did while inside its concrete walls.
Don’t misinterpret; I will never regret how much I acquired and wouldn’t change
my days or newly gained knowledge for the world. I think, though, that it’s
easy to forget about life after.
I’ve started to not just accept the world around me, but to
question it.
When I was told that living on my own in Milwaukee was a bad
idea, I asked why. I was given answers about it being dangerous. In response, I
looked up crime rates and statistics, which enabled me to make a conscious
decision of where to live and how to stay safe.
When I was told to save all my money in my bank account for
when I needed it, I asked why. I heard that keeping that money there was a
security blanket. While keeping some safe in case of emergencies, I also
learned about investing and have joined the money market.
When I was told that I shouldn’t apply for jobs that I
wasn’t 100% sure that I would get, I asked why. I was told that I was never
going to be hired. I decided that that was up for the employer to decide and
have gained a job that I love going to every day.
I think one of the biggest mistakes that I feel people make is to
feel content. Being content with the way things are now means that one no longer questions, challenges, or seeks. Nowadays, we have an indescribable amount of knowledge at our
fingertips. I think it would be the worst shame to waste it. Always ask why because when you don't you accept the way things are. This is when we stop pursuing. This is when we stop moving forward. This is when we become stagnant.
Onwards and upwards!
Christine
Onwards and upwards!
Christine