10 Things I've Learned from My First Year of Attending the University of Arkansas

So as my first year of living in Fayetteville and attending school at the University of Arkansas is coming to a close, I've realized how different my life is now. I sure am thankful that the plans we have for ourselves easily get pushed to the wayside by God's plan for us.

And God's plan is SO much better for us.

So without further ado, here are 10 things I've learned from my first year of attending the University of Arkansas

1.) Not everyone is going to like you.

• I am such a people person and I want to have a personal connection with literally everyone I meet, because that's just the way I am. I want to know how your family is doing or if you got a A on that big test, that way, if you are ever struggling with something, I can help you. Some people call it being nosy, but I call it being empathetic. So as you can see, I take it personal when someone doesn't like me. I've learned that I'm not everyone's cup of tea, but that shouldn't stop you from being yourself.

2.) Don't compare yourself to others. 

• Let me start out by saying this, some of the most successful students at the U of A come from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, so it is quite easily to compare yourself to others. It seems like someone is always getting an awesome internship, scholarship or opportunity. And its true. Some of my friends earned prestigious internships and I am so happy for them, but at the same time I felt like I was quickly slipping behind. They say patience is a virtue, and boy is it a tough lesson to learn. God provides when we least expect it. God was definitely teaching me that I need to work on myself, study and be patient. We get so worried about not being as successful as others, that we forget about the blessings in front of us.

3.) Be true to yourself.

• College is a time for self-exploration and being open to new ideas and experiences. I am totally okay with that. Sometimes we let ourselves go off too far. Sometimes having freedom leads to bad decisions. Soon enough we'll find ourselves in a messy situation that's hard to get out of.  All I can stress is, that change is okay, but don't forget who you truly are. Thankfully, we serve a God that no matter how far we stray from Him, He is always going to be right there when we turn around.

4.) College is about finding the bridesmaids, not the groom.

• I think this one speaks for itself. I added the sweetest soul, Kenley, whom I met this school year.

5.) Be humble.

• Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others." I want you to make it to the top, but don't step on others to get there. In college, it is very easy to have that "me, me, me" attitude. It is definitely time to stop thinking about me and starting thinking about and helping others. We are all going through this together. There is no "I" in college student.

6.)  Call your family. 

• Just call your momma every now and then. Or go visit. They miss you and love you more than you know. I did not realize how much I would actually miss home. Living on my own has forced me to grow up, but you bet I tear up every time I pull out of my parent's driveway after a visit.

7.) Find a good coffee shop to study.

• Whether its to study for a class or to study your bible, a good coffee and good atmosphere is essential. I recommend Onyx; it is so good. I guess what I'm getting at here is, just study. Don't procrastinate. Your life will be a lot easier if you turn in assignments early, not Tuesday night at 11:58 one minute before its due.

8.) Take lots of pictures.

• I don't mean selfies. Take pictures of the food at the restaurants you go to, candids of your friends laughing and of course Old Main every time you pass it on a sunny day. I am a memory hoarder. Pictures are a great way to hoard your favorite memories. Plus, your mom's friend's co-worker is dying to see what you've been up to at college. 

9.) Use a planner. 

• I know a lot of girls use planners because some of them are so darn cute. (I got mine from TJ Maxx btw.) Guys, you can use a planner too. I guess some of them aren't very manly. Having a planner is so helpful. The day before class, I always go through the syllabus and mark every important due date so I don't miss anything. This may seem overkill, but I really enjoy planning. I'm sure someone can back me up on this. You cannot count on, "Oh I'll just remember it." It is also a pain to go on Blackboard and look up due dates. Its much easier if you write it down on paper.

10.) Find a good church.

• This pass school year, I attended Cross Church and C3. Finding college students that are dedicated to Christ was so refreshing. Sometimes we have a preconcieved notion that all college students are wild heathens. We aren't. I have some pretty wonderful parents that taught me the importance of going to church and fellowship and I knew I needed to continue that when I moved to Fayetteville. I am urging other college students to attend a good church that they feel comfortable in and find some good, genuine brothers and sisters in Christ.