Five Life Lessons That My College Friends Taught Me

College-life is a time when every person embarks upon a new journey, outside of the cocoon that is schooling. It is our first step into adulthood, throwing challenges and opportunities our ways in equal measures, that may end up defining the rest of our adult life. We learn to be responsible, to finally choose things that define our personalities and forge friendships that last a lifetime. School boundaries used to confine us, but university gives us freedom, to be what we are and do as we like.

With everyone racing to achieve their goals and sticking to a strict routine for maximum efficiency, which gives them a sense of stability in the unstable times, I made a friend who taught me to take a breather and adore the intricacies of life.

But amidst all the bonding and self-discovery, peppered with lectures that we bunk and trips that we take, college life also imparts us some valuable life lessons. Most of these lessons, we learn on our own, from experiences of failure, success and hurt. However our friends also play a big part in our journey of self-grwoth. They shape our thinking for the future and help us become independent and able to navigate life, sans the of guidance of our parents and elders. Here are the five lessons my college friends have taught me that have changed the way I look at life.

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Living life to the fullest

With everyone racing to achieve their goals and sticking to a strict routine for maximum efficiency, which gives them a sense of stability in the unstable times, I made a friend who taught me to take a breather and adore the intricacies of life. She is the one who reminds me to smile even during the harshest times. Her jovial demeanor and cheerful personality nudge me to stay positive, shed the worries off and make this experience a happy one, not only for myself but for others too. She made me value life and taught me that we must live each moment to its fullest.

Never underestimate yourself

College opens tons of new avenues for us and the mantra for growth is to believe in oneself. We all have untapped potential and now is the right time and platform to give yourself the exposure. One of my college friends, while pepping me to go for a quiz once said, "What's the worst that could happen? You'd fail, but at least you'd learn." She taught me not to underestimate my mettle on more than one occasion. She is an inspiration when it comes to treading on unknown roads and exploring one's potential.

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There's always a silver lining

Failure is as much a part of our lives, at every stage, as is success. You win some battles and then you lose some. However, a lot of us take failure to our heart and it is difficult for us to move on from a setback, feeling stuck in the situation. But even our failures have a silver lining to them.

There's a friend of mine who always reminds me of the silver lining to the dark clouds. He has made me realize how every maze has a way out, all we need to do is keep walking until we find it. Every problem brings with itself an opportunity to learn from it and helps us move a bit closer to the finish line.

College opens tons of new avenues for us and the mantra for growth is to believe in oneself. We all have untapped potential and now is the right time and platform to give yourself the exposure.

Embrace your own company

We are social beings. All of us seek company and can hardly imagine being on our own. In a world where everybody desires attention and companionship, there's a friend of mine who taught me to spend time with myself. She got me to try being on my own, which I earlier fretted. Not always do we need people around to have fun. It is absolutely necessary to enjoy our own company, only then can we expect others to do the same.

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Self-Control

In the late teenage years, as much as we develop good habits, we are vulnerable to the bad ones too. One of my college friends has taught me to master my desires and develop self control. I've seen her sway herself from getting trapped in situations she might regret later. Be it falling prey to addictions or being spendthrift, she has fought it all by staying firm in her resolutions and controlling herself from doing what she has decided against.

The friends we make during college years are as precious as the degree we get. Learn from them, correct them when they're wrong and grow together!

Saavriti is an intern with SheThePeople.TV. The views expressed are the author's own.