Things one should learn in college

There are tons of things students should learn in college – certainly all the academic parts of college, but there are other things too. I thought about this today and came up with my list.  You might have other ideas you wish to share with your Deac.

Things one should learn:

– How to be a good friend.  This includes being willing to spend time with someone who is in need, really listening to them, not judging.

– How to have a productive conversation with someone who thinks differently than you – to have a civil, polite conversation.

– To be a critical consumer of information. This means not blindly accepting what someone says (or what you read on the internet). Check sources. Do your homework.

– That someone else succeeding doesn’t diminish your achievements in any way, so lift people up when you can.

– That you should always have a plan when you are traveling: know where you are, know how you are getting home, and have enough money to get there. This is especially important when abroad.

– To do what you know is right, even if that is not what others are doing.

– That there is no ‘perfect’ in life. And it is OK not to be perfect.  ‘Good enough’ is enough.

– What your body needs in terms of nutrition, exercise, sleep. Your proportions will be different from other peoples’ and you need to honor your own limits.

– That there will be bad times, sad times, disasters, and crises in your life. And while uncomfortable, those times will pass and good things will come again.

– That “comparison is the thief of joy.”

– Where you will draw the line in terms of ethics and values. What is worth compromising? What is *never* worth compromising?

– What is important to you in a relationship (be it friendship, romance, etc.)  You will be a better partner if you know what you want and need.

– That you are only as good as your word, and that it is easier to maintain a good reputation than to repair a tarnished one.

– That is is OK to ask for help when you need it. Not just OK, it is smart to ask for help.

– That there are very few things in life that are permanent, so normal mistakes or missteps don’t determine your future.

– How to fight fair.  Choose your words wisely, because “once said, never unsaid.”

– That helping others gives as much to you as it does to them.

That’s my first pass. What would you add to this list?