Growing Pains — First Year Sob Story
First, I’d like to add a disclaimer, the title is an exaggeration and this entry (hopefully) won’t be nearly as melodramatic as I’ve led you to believe.
I’m almost done my first semester of university and even in such a short time I’ve already learned some important lessons that I believe will stay with me for the rest of my life. As this is 2015, the Internet has beckoned to me to share them with the masses (sarcasm intended).
You Can Have More Than One Job
I, like many of my peers, am broke. I work at McDonald’s part-time so I can make enough money to support myself and save to have some funds put away to help me pay back my impending student debt. I’m also a full-time student and am very financially, emotionally and intellectually invested in my education. In short, I take school seriously. These are both my jobs, I work hard in both (obviously school gets the bulk of my effort, but I try not to halfass my minimum wage job because that’s just who I am). I’ve learned that this will continue on for the rest of my life. Many of my professors have multiple “jobs” such as teacher, department head and even CEO in one case. In the real world you never wear just one hat, we’re all filling multiple roles in the greater scheme of life.
Drop the Ego
This section (and to some extent this whole piece) is heavily inspired by an acquaintance of mine (Eric Chen). In your first year of University you are surrounded by individuals who are extremely proud of themselves for getting into a post-secondary institution and their respective program, but we’re all equal. Most undergraduate degrees by themselves don’t give you enough earning power to pay off your student loans in a decent amount of time, let alone look down on others. So, if you’re still in school (especially first year) — humble yourself, you’re surrounded by intelligent individuals, don’t assume you’re better than anyone else.
Do What You Love
These are wise words from a mentor of mine, Glen Reyes, but they’ve become even more apparent lately. If you don’t enjoy school — drop out, or find a new school. If you don’t like your program, find a new one. Do not set yourself up for years of studying something you do not enjoy or even worse a career that you do not enjoy, especially if you aren’t in a financial position to waste money on an education that does not let you find fulfilment. Try your best to find your passion, look anywhere you can, pick up a hobby, read a book, join a club. Always strive to find your calling. If you already have, pursue it relentlessly, have a hint of savagery and desperation to getting what you want (a big part of why my twitter name is @KyleIsSavage).
Save Money
As you can hopefully tell, I’m a very financially minded person. If you aren’t in a position where your parents can financially back you for the rest of your life, start saving. Get a job, save all the money you get as gifts, do what you can to have some money put aside for the future. Start saving to move out, pay off your loans, get a car — whatever you’re saving for, start now. There is no guarantee that you’ll get a 6 figure job straight out of school (the odds are very much so not in your favour) or even get a job after graduation (also not in your favour), so start putting away money now so your years of swallowing your pride and working for minimum wage don’t go to waste. Money isn’t happiness, but it is comfort, status and influence. Save money.
That’s all I can really say as a broke first year student, I hope you found this informative and thank you for reading this far.
Kyle
