Heart to Hands: College Knowledge

College is obviously a time of understanding and growth. However, I am quite convinced that some of life's most important bits of knowledge are learned outside the classroom. Here are some tricks of the trade, some survival tips, if you will about the beautiful place that I go to school.

1. Beware of the creatures - particularly squirrels. They are feisty, lacking all fear of humans. They break into your trash cans, eat human food, and run out in front of you when you are walking. They are rambunctious and mischievous. Squirrels here are crazy. Also, my house has been frequented by a skunk. We think he lives under the porch. Thus said, I have to learn how to approach these ferocious woodland creatures in a world dominated by the natives.

2. Be careful walking on brick. It has a tendency to get quite slippery. Leaves and water only amplify the ability of brick to remove the friction between your foot and the ground and can tend to cause some significant embarrassment. Let's just say it wasn't my best day when I decided to walk down the Corner - which has all brick sidewalks - wearing flip flops in the rain. I skidded multiple times and had to choose my steps very carefully in order to avoid falling.

3. Always check the weather. Weather.com is my go-to. The view from your bedroom window is quite misleading. Just because the sun is sunny and shining does not mean that the day is warm. It only takes a few times for me to learn this lesson.

4. If you can help it, don't bring your laptop to class. You say you take notes faster on the laptop, but in reality if you are anything like me, the lack of self-control + small attention span = internet surfing including but not limited to: facebook, twitter, blogging, online shopping, google maps, email, bank statements, people.com, sporcle, food blogs, personal blogs, all types of any blogs, crossword puzzles, sudoku, etc. Just don't do. Don't allow yourself to be tempted in the first place.

5. Lastly, but certainly not least, relationships are important. School is important, but in balance. As creatures made in God's image, we were intended for relationships and those relationships with others are good for us. They help to fulfill our desires and give us a glimpse of Christ's union with us. They should be prioritized. When I look back on my first year, it is not the little conversations that I regret. I only wish I still had some of the opportunities to talk with the girls on my hall, or chat with my RA, or grab dinner with a friend that I don't see much. I don't want to miss out on the little things this year, those little times that build and strengthen friendships. The little things add up. Those opportunities each give you the chance to strengthen your relationship a little bit more or to let those opportunities pass. I live with way too many wonderful girls to allow the latter.