starting small - day 4: looking back (10 things I have learned)

May 31st, 2017 - This is the fourth day of a 40 day blogging challenge: some pictures and words each day. Come back tomorrow to see more posts!

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My primary purpose for attending college was to learn. My passion for learning has always burned brightly, and last summer, it burned so bright that I packed up my belongings into boxes and moved 18 hours away to pursue it. And in New Hampshire, I am so fulfilled in my desire to learn. Academic growth is not the only sort that has come about for me in this first year of college. Finally back in my 'home zone' I see in retrospect so many lessons learned and milestones reached. Let's just name a few... 

1) People aren't always as scary as they might seem.

Being the shy introvert that I am, traveling to the East Coast was the most daunting challenge for me for almost solely one reason: people. And yet, 9 months and millions of encounters with strangers later... I have realized that they're not too bad! While my timidness still remains, because of my trip away, I have become a little more balanced in my temperament. 

2) Airports require comfy clothing (and snacks!)

This might seem trivial. But, after TWO 24 hour stays in airports due to delays as I hop back and forth between the East Coast and Midwest... for me, it has become a rule written in stone. 

3) Coffee shops (while fun) are expensive. 

Maybe it's just the pricy nature of New England... but after about a month or two of raving over the almond milk chai latte at the local hipster coffee shop, I took a look at my bank account and decided to take a break for a bit... I was much happier for it. 

4) Leisure is crucial. 

I am by no means endorsing laziness. But leisure is crucial! As a student, taking a "sabbath" every week or every day for about an hour is an absolute necessity (and it improves the quality of one's study!) Now, I do not mean leisure as in Netflix, but as in, go take a walk with a friend, or play a musical instrument, or paint, or read a favorite book ... I strongly believe that there is a need for leisure in man's nature, and it has to be respected. 

5) Sleep is also crucial. 

Enough said? I think yes. 

6) Potato chips (and other comfort foods) are not crucial. 

I discovered this when I returned home, stepped on the scale and realized that there were suddenly a few more pounds on my bones than I remembered. Also, junky food makes one feel ... junky. My solution? Water. Tea. And lots of fruit. (I am still working on this one by the way...) 

7) The unifying nature of music.

There are a lot of musicians at my school. There are also a lot of tone deaf musical delinquents. But regardless, when there is a jamb session in the cafe, in the library foyer, or even in the student lounge on the couches, ALL the students within the surrounding vicinity (regardless of musical fluency) join in. And they join in a lot more than just in song. Through the music, they share laughter and community and a precious moment of carefree timelessness. Music is not a solitary art for hermits, it is the language of community and is meant to be shared. 

8) Walks are great. 

With a friend, by yourself, on the phone... You name it, I've done it. 

9) Relationships can and should be built with all ages.

An opportunity that has been offered to me because of the nature of my very small college is an opportunity to build relationships with people of all ages. This is such an important skill and part of life as a student and well-balanced person. My own classmates are not my only comrades, but I have been able to build near and dear relationships with sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Also, the faculty of the college have been wonderful mentors to me, all of which I know and am known on a personal level (On a first name, lunch line basis with the President of the College? Sounds good to me!) The families of the professors are also often spotted at lunches, and I am able to interact with little ones from newborn to ages seventeen. We first receive our education in a family, where we build multi-generational relationships. This is a skill that should ideally be practiced for the rest of one's life.

10) You're always learning. 

 This might be the greatest lesson yet. I never know myself as well as I think. I never know as much as I think I do. I never do as well as I would hope. And I am always learning. Perhaps this is a good goal to have... I want to carry the mindset of student with me out of college, where I will enter the classroom of life. I want to always have a receptive mind, an adapting heart, and a creative and passionate response to lessons learned. 

Like I said, these are just a few (and it's only been a year!) Who knows what lessons the future holds? 

Cheers!