Throughout high school, you are told that you will have to write in cursive, have to know all of your multiplication facts, and that inevitably, your parents will cry on move-in day for what feels like forever. But what I will tell you is that no matter what you hear in high school about college, it is normally not what you expect. I have been in college since August, and while I am no professional student, I do see a lot of differences in what my high school teachers told me and what is reality.
Assumed Truths: 1. You will be up all day and all night studying and writing papers. This is absolutely true-- if you are the type of person to put off an hour of work all day until 11 o’clock at night to start on that research paper. It is completely possible to go to bed before 10 o’clock (given that those around you in the dorm are considerate and quiet) every day of the week in college. The problem lies in dragging yourself out of bed to do it. 2.College professors are from the Black Lagoon. Yes, you have some who make you actually do work. But no, they do not scream at you for not doing your assignments or force you to stand when you fall asleep in class. Often times, they think that if you paid to take the class, it’s your priority how much you get out of it. They do not hold your hand, but they don’t throw you to the wolves either. 3. Dress Code applies everywhere. It’s true to a point, but that doesn’t mean people follow it. In my high school, shoulders, holes in your jeans, and leggings were unacceptable, and the principal would not hesitate to write you up. But in college, the showing of the female shoulder and thighs are common sights. In fact, I have seen many people who made me want to wear long sleeved shirts and leggings for the rest of the year (which you can also wear) because they show enough skin for the both of us. I have come to the conclusion that the only way to get ready for college is to wrap up your business at home, pack your things, and do it. It is a wonderful and frightening experience that I think has been a turning point for me. I don’t think it is for everyone, and in the process of preparing to move away and figure out what it meant to be on my own I often questioned if I should even be going to college. But I think it’s like what my yearbook teacher used to say, “It’s hard work, but it’s good work.”
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AuthorGabrielle Willingham is a young Arkansan woman who sees the importance of simultaneous cynicism and optimism. Gabrielle is currently working on a MA in Communication with a focus in gender studies and political science. Archives
January 2021
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