What have you learned?

Last night my mom recounted to me about how time had flown so quickly and that after I come back from Korea, I would only have three more semesters until I graduated from college. CRAP.
It's not like I didn't know this. I knew this. It stands WAAAY back in the back of my head, behind the door entitled "After Graduation" or "Your Life as a responsible, self accountable Adult Starts Here". I had yet to venture back there. I mean, the last time I heard about those doors was, freshman year, where they seemed so far away and not worth worrying myself over. Now sophomore year of college at Berkeley is over, and I am halfway there (assuming I finish everything required of my double major within the traditionally alloted space). And then, my mom asked me the dreaded question,"what have you learned ?" Why is this a dreaded question? I dont know about everyone else in college, but I have always dreaded this question, which people, adults in particular, have always been asking me since the first day of...Preschool!
What did you learn in preschool today?
I learned colors, and how to wash my hands properly after using the potty!
What did you learn in Kindergarten?
I learned how to count to 100 and my failure to do that after my tenth try taught me that Iwill forever suck at math!
What did you learn in 6th grade?
I learned that I dont like science either cuz Bill Nye bores me to hell! But I love Harry Potter!
What did you learn in 12th grade?
I learned that I need to work hard from now on, I'm going to Berkeley.
Now people ask me what I've learned in my second year of college, and I've never been sure how to answer for some reason.What has two years, four semesters, however many days/months at one of the most prestigious universities in the country, taught me? It always takes me a while to think up some bull shit, heart rendering answer just to impress said questioning adult. But now that I think about it, I am not the same person I came here as. Not even close. What did I learn?

I've learned that most of what you learn in college is not from the classroom. Maybe it's just me. But I don't think I've retained too much of what I learned in any of my classes. I feel like Ive lived semester to semester, class to class, just trying to do well in that class at the moment, get the grade, and put it on my transcript. I mean, dont get me wrong, I appreciated and took interest in the class while taking it. But after you scramble to study for that last final, and then get it over with, who cares about that class?

I've learned how to procrastinate like never before. If I thought I procrastinated in high school, college is a whole nother level. Welcome to the major leagues little one.

I've learned to take my first bottle of absinthe, believe it or not ladies and gentlemen of the jury. I never really drank in high school. Or used any other substance. In college, I've tried everything illegal that I've always wanted to try but never had the guts, or access, to in high school. I know, Im not much of a thrill seeker.

I've learned that college isnt as tough and mighty as they make it out to be. For some reason, I've always had the image of big scary college owning me after high school drilled into my head by others. I was really scared. Especially coming from a high school that didnt really specialize on, oh I dont know, academia. I went to a visual arts magnet high school, we made sculptures in math class and collages in English! I literally thought I wouldn't make it past freshman year and would have to drop out. Now I know, getting and A or B plus at Berkeley is definitely doable. (Hopefully I dont jinx myself out of making it to senior year and graduating)

I've learned what its like to live life as a single child, with no parent supervision. Perhaps this has been the best part of coming to college. No, yes, it has. I love the freedom. This is the first time I was able to see what I'm really like, who I really am, without my siblings or parents or any other family members influencing me at the moment. Of course I still think about them in the long run, but when Im at Berkeley, I am just me in my stark nakedness. (Sorry for that imagery).

I've learned that I am highly malleable. I adapt very well and easily to my surroundings. First semester of freshman year was definitely hard, but I think thats about all it took to break me into this new life. Ever since, I have loved it here. I never thought I would completely fit into Berkeley. I thought I would be a better fit at UCLA because I had grown up in LA all my life, and as such I was an "LA girl". Now, I would be proud to call myself a, "Bay girl"? Lol...

I've learned that friends come and go. Not just because I've lost touch with a bunch of my high school friends, but also in college, you find yourself getting close to certain people one semester, and then you move onto different people the next semester. Whether it be because you physically moved to a different place, or because you moved on from that station in life, which also happens just as frequently as moving from place to place. People change quickly.

I've learned of heartbreak, and how badly it stings. And with that, some relationships can never be fully restored with a simple apology or even time's "healing hands".

I've learned to live a life away from my parents. This might sound similar to living life as a single child and independence or what not, but it's kind of different. This one means that I've learned to have things that I don't tell them. Big things. I could argue that this might have taken root starting my senior year of high school when I tried to hide my first serious bf from them and the other small secrets that ensued, but it really took on a whole new meaning in college. Its not simply a matter of keeping secrets and lying to them about small things, but I feel that it would be too late to go back and tell them about everything. And there are just some things that your parents could never know. Some things they dont need to know. Its not all bad.

I've learned to truly appreciate family. Its funny, being away from my family also made me really appreciate them more. I never fully saw all the hardships that my parents went through to support us when I lived with them. But when I came out of that bubble, I was able to see from their point of view, and feel a morsel of the suffering they go through on a daily basis just to hide it from us. I also feel for my little brothers, who are still stuck in that life and have years to go before they reach college where they themselves will be able to grow and see these things.

I've learned that I am a creature of change. I thirst for it. If I am too static in one place in life for too long, I will choke. I run out of air, and then lash out on my surroundings. I need to constantly be on the lookout for something different, whether it be a small change like a new hairdo, or a big change like leaving the country for a few months. This has proven to be problematic at times, and Im sure will continue to be problematic. (For instance,how will I ever have my own family if I constantly need change? But this is another matter for an entirely different post)

I'm sure I've probably learned more things but these are the main ones that stand out to me at the moment. I guess it took a little reflecting to answer that question. Plus, I still have two more years and a full semester abroad to learn more things! I'm glad Im not graduating early =)