this wasn’t on the syllabus

Written by Gabby Beeman

As I am going through this summer and preparing for my senior year of college, I've found myself reflecting quite a bit on what this stage of life has meant to me and what might come next. When I look back, I think about that scared freshman that moved to West Lafayette and I know she wouldn't believe how life has looked for her these past three years. So, whether you're about to start your college journey or simply standing at a "what's next" moment in your story, I hope this post offers some encouragement. These are simply a few lessons I've learned along the way - honest, simple, and maybe a little bit messy. But trust me, the mess is worth it.

Growth Doesn't Come from Your Comfort Zone

Ok, we've all heard this phrase a million times, but wow did it prove to be stunningly true these last few years. This stage of life has put me further out of my comfort zone than I have ever been. I always say that everyone says how great college can be... and they're not wrong. What everyone fails to tell you is how hard it's gonna be before it becomes great. I remember my freshman year all too well, and it wasn't the glamorized version of college I had seen from my older friends on social media. It was unfamiliar. It was uncomfortable. It was a whole lot of figuring things out one day at a time.

As I returned back to campus from winter break that year, I had made myself a promise: I was going to make it a semester of saying yes. Yes, to opportunities, to people, and even yes to attending clubs I didn't know much about.

Now I'd be lying if I said that every one of these opportunities stuck, or that every person I talked to became my new best friend. However, the small wins throughout the process gave me the momentum to continue to say yes and slowly allowed me to eventually meet some of my best friends and go on some pretty crazy adventures. So, if there's any wisdom I can sum this up in it's this: sometimes you just have to say yes.

Give Yourself Grace

I put these two things together because honestly, I found that you can't have one without the other. College is chaotic, and there are days you feel like nothing is going right. There are days that you show up for something new and instantly feel out of place. But the good news is that's perfectly okay. You don't have to instantly have it all figured out, (because let's be honest: most other people don't either).

You're not behind, you're not doing it wrong, and it's okay to grab a coffee and enjoy the detours.

Ground Yourself in What Gives You Purpose

In college life especially, day to day schedules can be absolutely insane. There's a lot to balance and a lot on the line for students. I've had seasons where I have found myself incredibly stressed out by work, school, judging, and everything else that the world says you should be doing to have your life together. However, when you have the time and opportunity, simply do what you love. During these times I try to go to the gym, get reorganized for the week, and spent some time outside in God's creation. I try to take time to sit with my thoughts and recollect myself after an insane few weeks (even if sometimes it comes down to just lying in bed and watching a movie). My point is you simply cannot fulfill your purpose on an empty tank. Trust me, I have tried many times and it has never been successful. Take time to gather yourself, your thoughts, and your peace.

Don't Let Your Learning Be Confined to A Classroom

I am thankful to have had many friends including my incredible Sigma Alpha Sisters that have shared encouragement and advice with me throughout the years. But every now and then, someone says something that just sticks with you. For me it was "don't let your learning be confined to a classroom". One of the most beneficial experiences I've had in college was something I came in not planning to do at all. During my sophomore year, I joined the Livestock Judging Team. It was something that I had thought about for a while... but honestly scared me. Little did I know that decision would be one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience. It gave me the opportunity to not only evaluate livestock, but to travel the country with some of my closest friends. Long story short: college is about so much more than credit hours. Be willing to take a risk, you may find your favorite people and places in the most unexpected moments.

So, if you made it to this point in the post, I hope that you've found something to carry with you into your own "what's next" moment. I hope you remember that growth takes time, grace (and coffee) is essential, and some of your biggest lessons won't be found on a syllabus.But most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the now - because this season of life chaotic as it is, can be pretty wonderful.



Gabby Beeman

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Purdue Senior in Animal Science and a Certificate in Sales & Marketing