What College Taught Me (told through clichés)

In three days I will graduate from college. It is the “end of the beginning,” or so they say. With me I will take a number of valuable lessons, which I will share with you through a variety of familiar adages.

“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”
Learn to adapt. Life isn’t always what you expect. In college these situations were nowhere near dire. I usually didn’t get the schedule I wanted or was left with less time to finish an assignment than anticipated. But now, I take the expectation and ability to adapt with me. If you can figure out how to make that lemonade, you’ll be okay.

“Work hard, play hard.”
A mantra held close to most college students’ hearts. Some of the smartest, most successful people I know also happen to be the wildest. There’s something to be said about the individuals who can reach both ends the spectrum.

“Kill two birds with one stone.”
College students can juggle tasks like no one else. How many people do you know who can (or at least try to) study, watch TV and chat online at the same time?

“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Just another reason to untag your Facebook pictures.

“Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Four years has never “flown” so fast. Freshman year seems like yesterday and graduation crept up much too quickly.

And lastly, in dedication to the friends who have kept me sane over the last four years…

“F*** it dude attitude.”
It’s not quite a cliché, yet. Whenever I was at my wits end and was sure that whatever problem I was facing was literally the end of the world, I had some wonderful people in my life who would simply look at me and say that phrase. Even if it didn’t solve my problems, at least for a few moments I could laugh and put things in perspective.

-Rachel