College: A Reflection

by Nicole on May 10, 2011

5 years ago our biggest worry was when to pick up the ice luge and if our hair was going to turn out perfect.

5 years ago we were getting ready for the biggest week of our lives and had so much to look forward to.

5 years ago I was getting ready to end a huge chapter in my life and move on with so many amazing memories and life long friends. I can honestly say college was 4 years of too much fun, some work, many boxes of late night pizza, a couple of entire blocks of mozzarella cheese (don’t ask I had weird late night cravings) and a whole lot of almost pee your pants (and sometimes actually do pee) laughter.

I’m feeling super reflective as my sister prepares for her senior week at Providence College. She’s recieving lots of encouragement from me to stay out late, have many drinks and to eat as much fast food as she can stomach, because so fast does it fly. Four years went by in the blink of an eye…and the last days at college even faster.

What do you get at the end of four years? Well, a diploma obviously, but if your lucky, you’ll find forever friends and memories that you’ll hold in your heart.

5 years out of college doesn’t even seem possible. It seems like yesterday we were moving into our senior house, shaking with anticipation for what was in store.

What has happened in the past 5 years? So much. 5 years of teaching, a Master’s degree, got married, bought a place to live, in contract on a house, back to school at Integrative Nutrition, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Domincan Republic, Nevis, Italy and those are only the big things.

For extra fun and because I know my friends will love to see the swollen versions of ourselves…I wanted to share some pictures from commencement week. Why not?

Isn’t it amazing the carefree attitude of college (was that just us?) I wish I could get that back. That and all the hours of movie time, ice cream time, coffee time and just spending time talking….okay just time.

Lessons learned in 5 years:

You don’t know who you (completly) are while you’re in college. Don’t be surprised if your career path changes. Go with it, embrace it.

Friendships made in college are special. You are family and should cherish those bonds.

No matter how many times I go back to PC, it always feels like home.

Time flies way to quickly. As the years goes on, it gets faster. Spend time with people you love, call them, keep in close contact.

Okay I’m done being all mushy. Chris I’m super proud of you for embracing the “college” life. Enjoy every single last second of it and make sure you yell out “COLLEGE” a couple hundred times.

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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Chad @ thebreakupnote May 10, 2011 at 8:34 am

Oh I have to say college is carefree for everyone… I look back on those days and think “man life was simple”. I’ll never forget my first year out of college and how tough it was to adjust.

I remember being in college and seeing those older people that came back to get degrees later in life, and they made it look so easy. I wondered how come it was easier for those students… now that I’ve been out of college paying my own way, paying off loans, supporting a family, i REALIZE HOW THOSE PEOPLE DO IT – it’s like vacation for them!

If I could go back, it would feel more like going to a resort LOL. Sometimes I miss it… living around people of a similar demographic as you, surrounding by people sharing the same interests. Good times!
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Kelly May 10, 2011 at 9:52 am

What a great post! Nothing saddens me more than when I hear college kids saying, “I can’t wait to graduate!” I just want to shake them and say NO!!! College is such a special time in your life. And once it is over it’s over. You have your whole life to be a “grown up” and college is that one period in your life where you can be the in-between. It is a time to find yourself, explore your passions and make mistakes. It was one of the best times in my life and I cherish all the memories, lessons , friendships, heartbreak and love I found there.

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Elizabeth@The Sweet Life May 10, 2011 at 10:01 am

I love this post–forever friends are such a tremendous blessing!
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Christine May 10, 2011 at 10:11 am

=] Love you sissy you made me cry

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Jess @JessCantCook May 10, 2011 at 10:34 am

Great post, I’m going to my 5 year college reunion in 4 weeks and can’t be more excited to be together on campus with the most amazing friends in the world :)

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Jess May 10, 2011 at 10:40 am

I love this! I remember sitting at your graduation crying my eyes out because I was so sad for you to leave. I wonder what I will do at my own. hmmm. I’m so proud of what you have done in 5 years and I love you! Christine, I can’t wait to be there for your graduation also and I can’t wait to see what comes next! XOXOX

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Lisa @ I'm an Okie May 10, 2011 at 12:04 pm

I miss college ALL the time. IT was such a special time in my life and I always tell college students now to just go with it and savor each fun and hilarious moment!

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Anna May 10, 2011 at 6:20 pm

Wow! Such a trip down memory lane. All of the advice and lessons on life you mentioned were perfect. College was amazing! It seems like only yesterday we were having our senior week! Congrats Christine!

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