Lessons not taught in school

3 bags of chips, 4 naps and 5 episodes of Scandal later and I’m still stressed. No matter how much time I take to relax I still find myself overwhelmed.  I can only avoid studying for so long until the panic sets in.

My first year of law school has been the hardest, most stressful yet most fulfilling year of my life. Despite the stress and that one time I stayed up until 6 am, I truly enjoyed my first year!

Nothing could have prepared me for this transition though. The scariest part about life is when it goes from 0-100 real quick. I can vividly remember my first day in English Legal System, thinking everything was so chilled. Then in the blink of an eye, that chilled feeling was replaced with sheer panic and paranoia.

Living on your own should come with a manual. My first blog, Adulting is HARD! talked about my struggles transitioning to adulthood. I discussed things that I was not prepared for. Now, I want to talk about my growth.

So here are a few life lessons that I’ve learned in my first year of university and first real year of “adulthood.”

1. Responsibility: No matter how early I got up, 10 minutes before class I was still spinning around in my room trying to get myself ready, having to walk to class with a slice of toast in one hand and my phone in the other as I constantly checked the time praying I’m not late. Being in student accommodation did have its perks because I could reach to class in 10 minutes (despite my room being all the way in the back of campus). However, one lesson I learnt was that I won’t always have my parents around so if I want something done, I need to go out and get it done myself whether it be studying,  going to the bank or even just waking up on time.
2. It’s okay to have Trust Issues: It’s a great feeling to know that you can trust someone. However, my first year of law school has taught me to have serious trust issues (I have Contract and Tort Law to thank for officially ruining my perception of trust). Don’t be naive! If someone promises you something, make sure there is valid consideration! (Law of Contract strikes again). In all honesty, trust is earned not just given. Someone should prove to be worthy of your trust. Be careful who you share important details of your life with. Be careful who you ask for help when times get tough. Be careful who you let into your life. Sadly, some people have ulterior motives so it is important to keep your guard up until someone proves to you that you can fully trust them.
3. The Difference Kindness Makes: You never know what someone is going through. That is why it is so important to be kind to others. This is something that I personally need to work on because I get annoyed very easily. That friend who just so happens to talk a little longer than we anticipated may not have much friends. That friend that always wants to hang out may feel like they’re all alone. That friend that doesn’t always say the things that they should say or may seem a little different from us may have a mental illness. Never judge a book by its cover. Everyone has different stories and we wouldn’t be able to appreciate their story if we just put the book down before we even take time to open it.
4. Perks to Spontaneity: Life does not always go as planned. It’s great to plan your day and have a To Do List. However, sometimes plans change because life happens! It’s important to realize that sometimes a little spontaneity is necessary to make life truly worth while. Everyone loves that one friend that they can just call 10 minutes in advance to tell them to get ready because they’re going out or that friend that randomly shows up at your house just to chill. Sometimes it’s okay to stray away from the schedule and do something that you did not plan on doing because it makes life a little less predictable and a whole lot more interesting.
5. Importance of Spiritual Life: The most important lesson I learnt about being an adult is having a good spiritual life. Almost all of us have been guilty of neglecting the Word at one point or another in our lives. Coming to University has really opened my eyes to see how much I truly need to depend on God. Life gets hard and times get tough but God’s love for us will never change. He will always be there even when it seems as though He’s not. He will be there to guide us through the dark valleys and lift us up to high mountains. It is so important to acknowledge that we are nothing without God in order for us to truly grow into the adults that He would have us to be, adults after His own heart.

There is beauty in growth. I know I’m not old and fully wise about all situations adulthood may throw at you but this was just a few things I learned during my first year of university.

It’s amazing to see the person you are today compared to the person you were 5 years ago, one year ago or even last week. We’re all in this together, trying to get through the  ups and downs of life to find our way to our true purpose. It’s okay if you stumble along the way or get tired but no matter what, don’t give up! Times may get tough but remember that with God’s help you can handle anything that comes your way. Adulting can be very challenging sometimes but hang in there, life has only just begun!