The College Experience from a Homeschooler

THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE 

from a Homeschooler

Three words describe my first year of college: exhaustive, blessed, and successful.

Yes, I said successful. No, I do not have an ego problem. 

Not only do I believe success is dependent upon an individual's goals, but also I believe success is dependent upon a bigger picture. 

My first 2 semesters of college I completed 32 hours of class, held a GPA of 4.0, maintained 2 jobs, kept my relationship strong with my fiance, and yet I still had days where I felt defeated, angry, and minuscule compared to my peers. I was exhausted. I often walked by students who would relax on campus with friends studying and feel so envious.

Going into college I was blessed with many scholarships and opportunities, yet there were still others who were given more money and who didn't have to work for their education. 

I placed extreme importance on my grades and GPA. I almost always studied in my spare time, I would cry before most tests, and feel sick almost every morning- over grades. Yes, this kind of self discipline is healthy, many students today lack in self discipline, but I want to present a different perspective.

When I am old and gray, what will I remember? Will I remember questions I missed on my quizzes? Or will I remember the worship sessions in the practice rooms with close friends? Will I remember those who disliked me because of my faith, or will I remember the encouragement and late night theological discussions with friends?

Success is not dependent on my grades (although they are important- C's don't always get degrees), success is dependent on the wisdom I gained through applying what I have learned. Success is sharing love to fellow believers and edifying each other through struggles. We are successful not by being tolerant of wrong but instead by changing what is wrong. Our success is not measured by achievements. Initially, our focus should not be on success. 

Our focus should be on people and souls- for souls are eternal. Success will be forgotten. This is my college experience thus far.