Here’s something I just realized: For the entire three issues that this paper has put out I have been ridiculously negative about everything. I am not usually a negative person.

I look on the bright side of situations, and always try to look for the best in people.

Then BAM! College hit and slowly I became a whiner, complaining about every tiny thing. I try not to, but the dark side has been looming over me like a storm cloud.

College seems pretty hard at first. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a stroll in the park. It’s supposed to be difficult. But if you don’t put it into perspective, then you’re going to have a horrible time.

Balance is the answer. It took me a while to get a hold of this concept. I knew it would be tough, but I somehow expected it to come easy like high school. Classes, friends, and all the other things that go with it.

Then I had an epiphany.

I’m paying for this experience, might as well have the best time I can. You have to make college what you want it to be, otherwise you’re sitting alone in your dorm room (or whatever the politically correct term is now) listening to depressing music and freaking out about the next big paper that’s due.

That was me, I admit it. I sort of just wanted college life to fly by, while I waited for the next weekend I could go home.

Friends were ultimately the key to solving my problem. At first there is an awkward period, where everyone is searching for a place to fit in. I was positive that I would not find a group, or individuals I clicked with. I was like a leader in my group of friends back home, and my house was our base camp. I shouldn’t have expected this to follow me, but in some ways I assumed it would.

But a few friends came along who I now can’t imagine being without. After less then two months, groups all around the campus have formed filled with students who act like they have known each other forever. It’s weird how this can happen in such a short time.

They weren’t there before and ‘poof,’ now they are some of my closest friends.

In high school you meet a lot of friends, some who you know will last forever, and others who are just acquaintances or shallow friends.

It’s the same in college. You strive to make many friends, but my advice is to try not to impress everyone. If you work too hard trying to please everyone, you may overlook the few friends who like you for who you are.

People can tell when you are trying too hard, or aren’t being yourself. Don’t forget your old friends either. If you were best of friends in high school, it shouldn’t be difficult to be good friends in college if you really want to.

The ones who moved far away, try to stay in contact with in some form. That’s the power of technology folks. Use it.

Knowing all this makes me feel all grown up.