I have been in school for 15 years of my 20 year life excluding summers. That is 75 % of my life. That is a long time and yet I'm going to go for 2 more years! Yes, I'm crazy. The other day I wondered why school has to be such a big part of our lives and then it hit me. Besides reading, writing and arithmetic, I have learned so many life lessons that I never would have had I not been in school.
Here are a few of them...
1- People will always perceive you how they want to, until you show them differently.
In other words, no one can really know who you are or what you are all about until you show them. People can make judgements of you easily but it is up to you to prove that you are who you want them to see you as. I'm not saying care what other people think. I'm saying care what you want to be perceived as. You can take on the identity of anyone you want to be but stay true to your standards and values and just be YOU! If you prove to people who you are and they still don't like you. Forget about them. Other people will accept you and you will suddenly find yourself surrounded by people a lot like you who love you for you.
2- The most pleasant surprises come at the most unexpected times.
Clark Saville is the perfect example of this. I had just come back from Christmas break my freshman year, a single woman ready to date a million college guys. I found lots of guys to date when I came back and then this tall, handsome stranger took some interest in me. He was the best surprise at the MOST UNEXPECTED time. I will always love him for how he stepped into my life when I needed him most.
3- Trials really do make you stronger.
I took Andy Anderson's Anatomy class my freshman year Spring semester and it was the most difficult class I've ever, ever had to experience.Andy Anderson is notorious for his tricky questions and thorough testing. He is a great lecture to listen to but he toasts you with his tests. That same semester my pleasant surprise arrived at my doorstep, my roommates decided they didn't really like me too much and my grandpa passed away. I still look back at that semester and know even though it was awful at the time, there was so much beauty in it. I found out how strong I was. I found the love of my life and I gained the strongest testimony I've ever had that families can be together forever. I don't know how I got through it. I would never choose to relive it, but I'm glad I did live it. Oh and I got a C+ in Anatomy if you were wondering. (I'm still trying not to care about that detail.)
4- Take advantage of family time.
Lots of college students, even those that live close to home, choose to never go home. They say, "My life is way too busy. I have to study and work and I need to socialize." Those things are all true that they say but they say these things and then they NEVER see their family. I took advantage of going to many ball games, dance recitals, plays, Jr Misses, dress shopping, award ceremonies, Christmas programs etc. I will never ever regret that point I missed on a test because I didn't get every single minute of studying I needed to in, or that money I didn't get from the work shift I gave away, or that sleep I desperately needed the night before the big test. I cherished the time I got to be with my family. I was able to have the college experience and see members in my family succeed and accomplish great things. If I had to do that part again, I would do it exactly the same.
5- The Savior is my biggest advocate, my best friend and my constant companion.
I know that through my schooling I could not have done it if I didn't have the knowledge that my Savior lives and loves me. I know that He was watching over me through all the experiences I had. He wept with me when I couldn't handle everything. He gave me peace when I asked for it and when I didn't ask for it. He forgave me when I made mistakes. He rejoiced with me when I succeeded. He gave me family members and a spouse who love me and take care of me. He gave me health and confidence to perform to the best of my abilities. He listened to and answered many prayers. He strengthened me when I was weak. He helped me move mountains I thought were immovable. He helped me realize my potential and continually helps me realize how to be better and do better. I accredit Him for my accomplishments. I believe He can be all He was for me to anyone else who seeks Him.
These are 5 of the most important life lessons that I learned and I'm so grateful I did.
