Reflecting on college

A look back on four years of life.

Written by Jake Ryan

My college career started on August 23, 2021 with my first day of classes. A few days earlier, I was laying awake, staring at the ceiling, my heart pounding in dread as my head filled with the next four years of my life flashing in front of me. As I tossed and turned in my dorm room bed high on the sixth floor of Fenn Tower, I just kept thinking to myself, “I wish someone had told me that this is what it was going to be like.” It was a bit scary. 

Now, I sit here, a month away from school letting out, anxiously awaiting my second graduation (third if you count my eighth grade promotion) and looking back on all the things I wish I had known before I got here. 

You will cry. 

I know that sounds threatening, but, trust me, everybody cries and all the stress of high school, moving in (if you decide to live on campus or away from home) and, of course, those difficult college classes, adds up. Just let it out, it’s OK. 

Forget everything you know.

I don’t mean take all the knowledge you’ve accumulated over the last 12 years and throw it in your brain’s trash can. Instead, be ready to change your study habits, research methods and whatever else you do when it comes to school. I went most of school without studying for anything. Trust me this isn’t a flex. When I got to college and I finally had to do research papers in more than one class and quizzes every week, I really wished that I had started a bit earlier. 

Don’t just take my word for it.

That doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. In fact, quite the opposite. These past four years have been some of the best of my life. Some of my fellow classmates offered their knowledge and advice. 

“Take the time to explore downtown [Cleveland] and the suburbs when you have a chance,” Evan Peters, a senior journalism student at Cleveland State University (CSU) and Vindi arts and culture editor, said. “There’s plenty of great local businesses and artists to support while having plenty of fun with your friends.” 

Yes, there are. Downtown Cleveland is an enormous place. You could spend an entire day walking around the city and still not get through everything it has to offer. 

Fellow journalism and promotional communications major, Sophie Farrar (also the Vindi’s Editor in Chief), reminds us it’s OK if you don’t have it all figured out in the beginning. 

“Don't worry if you don't figure everything out right away,” Farrar said. “You will find your people and purpose at college, and it's okay if it takes a semester or two for everything to shake out.” 

By the time you read this, I may have graduated. For the first time in 16 years, I will be out of school. Some of you may be starting your journey and some may be reaching the end, but if there’s anything I learned after all this time, it’s to just take it easy.

Don’t be afraid if it doesn’t immediately work out.

Try your best and you will succeed.

I know you can do it.

Thank you for reading.