Ten Things That College Never Taught Me

It’s been a year since I graduated, and I realized there were a few things that college never taught. And so to celebrate my graduation’s almost-first anniversary, I decided to compile and list down the top ten things I could think of that my college never taught me.

1. It doesn’t matter what course you come from.

I graduated with a major in Creative Writing. I had no idea what I wanted to do next. All I wanted was to write my own book, or be the next JK Rowling. But while that goal remains unaccomplished, I had to figure out a way to support myself.

I sent out applications to Summit Media, GMA, ABS-CBN, and the like—all because I had a notion that these companies were big, were nice to put in my resume, and had a writer-esque vibe.

But where did I end up for my first job?

In a start-up advertising company as a copywriter and marketing assistant.

And I wound up four months later as the brand communications manager.

After ten months in traditional marketing, I decided to move on to something that seemed bigger and better—which is why I now work as an account executive for a thriving digital marketing firm.

It’s fun. It’s a lot more hectic. But I’m learning so much.

I don’t have a fancy title or a Master’s degree. I was lucky enough to have made it to the Dean’s list once. I never took up Communication Arts, or Marketing, or even any of those short courses that could give me a better background on what I’m doing. I learned everything through experience.

Theoretically, I probably don’t know much. But I’ll be honest and tell you that I don’t remember much about Shakespeare either. And that the only literary theory I kind of remember is Plato’s theory, because he hated poets. (As I type this, I’m not even really sure if it was Plato. I’m hoping my Fine Arts professors reading this, if there are any, aren’t cringing at my lack of knowledge in my own field.)

One thing that college never taught me was this: There will always be people smarter than me. People who know more than I do. People who are a lot more talented and skilled. But one thing I have that I’ll make sure they never try to beat me at is my diligence. My thirst to learn more and grow. My drive to work the hardest that I can to get to where I want to be.

Maybe someday, I’ll be one step closer to the goal I have yet to accomplish.

2. Age is nothing but a number.

In college, the freshies were looked down upon and the seniors were either feared or branded as the wisest ones.

But eventually, I realized that age is nothing.

I have blockmates who are a lot younger, but write short stories that make me want to tear mine apart.

I’ve been playing ultimate since high school, and I’ve gone against women five to ten years older but can outrun and out-sky me anytime.

These are the people who keep me grounded, and at the same time inspire me. And it’s because of them that I learned never to underestimate anyone.

3. Saving money is a lot harder than potty training my dog.

It’s only after college that I learned the challenges of being thrifty. I didn’t feel it as much when I was a student, because the hard-earned money (a.k.a. my allowance) came from my parents.

But when I started to work, and my payslips were given to me on the 15th and 30th of every month, and I saw that a huge bulk was always taken away from my salary for taxes, SSS, Philhealth, Pag-ibig, and the like—it hit me hard that saving up can be really difficult.

Especially since I love going on food trips, I always pay for league, jersey and field fees, and I’ve been travelling on my own-ish.

4. Always pay your credit card bill on time.

I learned that not only does this maintain a good relationship with your bank (and they can later increase your credit limit), you also don’t have to pay for bills with interest in the next billing.

Even if the credit card bill hasn’t arrived yet, I make it a habit to already set aside money to pay for it. This helps me a lot in managing my finances. (Yes, I’m a writer and I may be really bad at Math but I’m learning to manage my own money. #defensive)

5. There’s more to coffee than Starbucks coffee.

When I was in college, a tall White Chocolate Mocha was the shiiiiiznit. It made me feel professional, and so writer-esque. Like, look at me! With my tall white cup of Starbucks coffee! And my laptop! So serious! I’m such a writer! I’m so cool!

Sure, it saved me from falling asleep in between typing all those papers, but eventually I learned that a French press does exist.

And that coffee beans from Benguet are the most addicting thing ever.

6. Time is gold.

In college, I had all the time in the world. My attendance in ultimate practices and games was nearly perfect. I had time to read books and Harry Potter fanfiction, paint, make scrapbooks and friendship bracelets, take extremely long naps, spend countless hours with my siblings and cousins making kwento or doing silly things in the attic, and even watch a little TV.

Even when I started working in my first job, I had time to climb and do yoga aside from play disc.

These days, I barely remember to eat lunch.

And having to sleep and rest my eyes can be such a hassle, because I’d rather be doing something productive—like write and update this blog.

7. You will miss your family—even if you still live under the same roof.

If you live in Quezon City but work in Bonifacio Global City or Makati, it takes you almost two hours to get to work and two hours to get home. By the time I do get home, dinner is cold and everyone else is busy studying or doing their homework. My mom and dad are too engrossed watching their favorite telenovela, while my Lola is already asleep.

So I’m left to have dinner by myself.

And it really makes me miss all those times we used to be complete every dinner time. These days, my family still gets to eat dinner together. But because my travel time is equivalent to going from Manila to Nueva Ecija on a Sunday, I don’t get to join the kwento time and goofing around like I used to.

8. You might regret eating all that isaw baboy.

But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Just kidding.

9. It’s okay to not know everything.

I hate making mistakes. I’m scared of failure. But as you get to experience more things in life, you realize that it’s okay to not know everything. That it’s all part of it.

Not knowing everything and not being able to figure things out right away, are what make us strive to get through life. There’s no handbook on how to live life perfectly. We’re not meant to know everything either. You can idolize someone, and try to follow his or her footsteps exactly like how he or she did it. But eventually you’ll learn that there’s really no exact formula in living a succesful life.

You just learn, and do, and fail, and sometimes not fail, and learn again—until you become even closer to who you’re supposed to be.

10. Don’t take life too seriously.

I’m 24, and I graduated from college a year and a half after my friends and original batch mates did because I transferred schools. While they were out already earning for themselves, I was stuck with my textbooks while panicking that I might not be able to earn my target by the time I’m 28, so that I can already have my own car and house by 30, maybe married by 33, and then have a kid before 35.

I’m 24, and I’m far from reaching my target or any of those things. But somehow, it’s okay. Being single, in my 20’s, and earning enough to sustain a comfortable lifestyle, gives me a chance to try new things, get to know different kinds of people, explore more of the world, and genuinely appreciate what I have.

And it makes me realize that, despite the many challenges, things eventually fall into place as they should.

Now it’s unfair that I took note of things I never learned in college. So to justify it, here’s a quick list of what I did learn that’s beyond all the textbooks and classes.

1. How to manage my time.

Thanks to college, and even I.W. from my high school, I’m able to manage my time well. It poses to be more difficult these days because of the circumstances, but despite balancing a 9-to-6 job and three other sideline jobs, I’m able to play disc, spend time with family and friends, and at least every couple of weeks I get to go on cultured dates and wine nights with the Cupcake.

2. Even weird, introverted girls are capable of being leaders.

I never believed in myself that I could be a team captain or a project manager, or even start my own blog. I have a tendency to doubt myself all the time. But I learned that if I had a little more confidence in myself, there could be potential. And I’m lucky to be surrounded by the most awesome family and friends who constantly support me in everything I do.

3. Your professors can become your good friends.

And they’ll probably even have some of the best advice for you. I’m lucky to still keep in touch with a few professors, including our Creative Writing Father Rooster.

4. Change is constant.

Things change. People change. Mindsets change. It’s only a matter of accepting them with an open heart and an open mind, so you don’t get stuck re-reading previous chapters of your life.

(Photos grabbed from Google and Tumblr)