1. Domestication
While attending an institution of higher learning (a.k.a. college) these past four semesters, I have learned many things. First off, I can do my own laundry. This is a talent I never possessed, nor was it a task I was forced to perform until I got here. Quarters were once regarded as insignificant measures of money; now I find myself searching high and low, under beds, and in pockets to find loose change in order to wash a load of laundry. Additionally, I have accomplished and mastered the art of washing dishes, vacuuming, dusting, taking out the trash, and making my bed. I've discovered I'm actually quite good at these things. Who would have thought it?

2. My View on Naps
I have learned the value of naptime. Something I once despised as a child, something I once saw as punishment, has ironically transformed into a reward. My roommate and I have instituted naptime in our room after classes are finished for the day. I am convinced that we have mastered the art of napping. Naps are a wonderful thing, especially if you have an 8 o'clock class and need rejuvenation.

3. Privacy: Not So Much
Privacy is a luxury you don't get too often in college. You share a living space with your roommate, so when it comes to phone calls, changing, or trying to study, he/she will always be there. This doesn't change, so you might as well get used to it. Another concern when it comes to privacy: The bathroom.

Here is what I've learned:
a) It's surprisingly easy to lock yourself out of your room when taking a shower. So, when you call Public Safety to let you back in your room, inform them that it's an emergency. Failing to do so will result in your standing outside your room in a towel all afternoon.
b) Don't leave your towels, shampoo, conditioner, or soap unattended -- people are not as honest as we perceive them to be.
c) Wear shower shoes. You have no idea where the people you live with have been. Plus, college showers are like something you see in a scary summer-camp movie.
d) The cleaning lady will see you naked at least once a semester. It's inevitable, since she will clean regardless of whether you are in the shower or not. If the water is turned off and you hear someone come in as you're trying to get dry, make a lot of noise. Stamp around in your shower shoes, whistle, cough, sing a song, do something loud and obnoxious, or you will be walked in on.

4. Freedom, Finally
One thing I love about being in college is freedom. Access to my own phone line and Internet hookup are the best forms of communication and entertainment. At home, I'm constantly tying up the phone, and here, there's no one to tell me to hang up or sign off. Curfews are nonexistent at college; this is a beautiful concept. If I want to stay up until 5 a.m., I can. If I want to blast my music on a Saturday afternoon, I can. And if I don't feel like going to class, I don't have to (not that I would ever do such a thing). College gives you the freedom to make your own decisions.

5. Family Matters
I value my family a lot more now that I'm away from them. Since they're not around as often, I have a chance to miss them, and my absence gives them a chance to miss me. When I'm home, I don't usually fight with them, with the exception of my hormonally imbalanced teenage sister. Some things, like sibling rivalry, will never change.

6. Food for Thought
OK, so maybe my schedule revolves around food a little more than it should. The gourmet meals at the dining hall aren't typically something to write home or brag about. But it's college -- what do you expect? The good thing is that when you go home on breaks, your parents feel sorry for you. Take full advantage of this situation. Your parents will feel the need to do pretty much whatever you want. (Side note: This drives younger siblings insane!) They will take you out to dinner, make your favorite desserts, cook you whatever you want; you may even have breakfast waiting for you when you wake up in the morning. You never miss a good thing until it's gone. And there's nothing you'll appreciate more than a home-cooked meal.

7. Friendships: Before and After
I learned that the title of "best friends forever" does not guarantee forever; in fact, it doesn't even guarantee a year. Just because you were inseparable in high school doesn't mean your friendship will continue through college. In many cases, it won't even make it through the first semester. But college will make true friendships stronger, and extinguish the false ones. The friends I've kept are the ones I've shared my childhood and adolescence with, the ones I've cried and laughed with, and the ones I admire.

You've heard the saying you don't go to college to meet your husband, you go to meet your bridesmaids. It's true: You will form some of the strongest relationships you can imagine. Living with people allows you to get close in a short amount of time. I can say with confidence that the friends I've made in college, I'll have for life. They have become a part of who I am.

8. Life Lessons
College is not all about the books and the studying and the final exams, nor is it all about the parties or the boys. College is about the experiences you gain and the people you meet who transform you into a better person. The things you'll remember from college won't be what year Charlemagne was crowned or what happened at the battle of Gettysburg -- although those facts would make for some terrific Jeopardy questions. The things you will treasure are the memories. You'll remember the late-night convenience store runs when you have a final in three hours. You'll remember the girls' nights spent dancing around the room in your PJs, blasting '80s music, singing "Pour Some Sugar on Me" at the top of your lungs, then getting written up by Public Safety for noise and room violations. These random nights of fun hold the memories you'll treasure forever.

Almost Done: Final Thoughts
I realize I still have a lot more to learn. There are things I'm naive about now that I will come to terms with junior and senior year. But throughout the duration of my college experience, I plan on living it up -- carpe diem. I try to live each day to the fullest and take in all I can. In the words of the immortal Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

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