Life 101: The most important course I took in college
As the summer draws to a close and fall lurks just around the bend, I feel eager to return to my tiny dorm room at Barnard College. Although I am elated to return to the campus I have called home for three years, I am bringing back with me a deep sense of sadness. I have always known that my college years would be a transitional phase, a time to discover things about the world and learn about my potential to influence society. What I did not know is that my college career would be the most enjoyable and gratifying four years I had ever experienced.
Today, I left my summer apartment in Brooklyn and traveled uptown to spend some time alone on Columbia and Barnard's breathtaking campuses. When I stopped in front of Sulzberger Hall and peered into the perfectly manicured freshman quad, hundreds of memories flashed before my eyes. I can remember the day my parents dropped me off and I was officially on my own. I didn't know a soul and I knew absolutely nothing about New York City. Although my mom didn't know, I had never been so scared in my life.
Looking back on my three years at Barnard, I realize how much I have grown. Recently, I spent a few hours retracing my steps and flipping through my photo albums, trying to figure out how I arrived at this place in my life. Throughout this process, I compiled a list of lessons I have learned along the way. Having shared the details of my life with all of you fellow Dancer readers for the past few years, I feel comfortable passing along some of my newfound wisdom. So here is a more personal tidbit of life with Lindsay:
Be grateful for what you have and remember that no matter how bad the situation, it could always be worse.
Do not be too hard on yourself; celebrate your positive qualities rather than dwelling on your shortcomings. Furthermore, understand there are some things that you just can't change. If your feet aren't perfectly arched or your extensions don't reach 180 degrees, that's okay. Set realistic goals and work hard to reach your full potential without being overly critical. Remember, nobody's perfect.
Cherish your family members - blood is thicker than water. Their love is pure, unconditional, and always unquestioned.
If the opportunity arises, travel the world! Meet people from other cultures and backgrounds, learn new languages, and mostly importantly, don't forget to take pictures!
Always be ready to lend a helping hand whether it's as simple as holding the door open for a stranger or lending your shoulder for a friend to cry on. Donate your old clothes to a homeless shelter or organize a canned food drive. Love really does make the world go 'round.
Watch your old dance tapes and look at your old audition pictures with an objective eye. The only way to learn and grow as an artist is to see your work from the audience's point of view.
Spend as much time with your friends as possible. They will become your support system and your most trusted confidantes. Forge relationships with an open mind and an open heart, even if you are afraid of getting hurt.
Laugh! Be silly! Make a fool out of yourself in public! Does it really matter what other people think?
Figure out what you believe in and stand behind those convictions 100%, even if that makes you the Lone Ranger. Voice your opinion loudly and proudly, but do not force others to adopt your point of view.
Choose your battles wisely. "Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend."
Never judge a book by its cover. Toss your preconceived notions, open your mind, and give it a go - you might be pleasantly surprised. A few years ago, I despised modern dance because I assumed it lacked a real technique and had no artistic significance. When I started college and began studying people like Martha Graham, Jose Limon, and Isadora Duncan, I learned that my assumptions had been very wrong. Now, I try to take a modern class every semester because I love it so much!
Spend enough time alone. Take a walk, write in your journal, mediate. Learn to be your own best friend because it is the only relationship you can be sure will last an entire lifetime.
Read the newspaper every day. Pay attention to what is happening on the other side of the world.
Take your vitamins and eat plenty of green vegetables. Wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soap. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, especially when you are dancing and performing regularly.
Every problem, no matter how little or how big, has a solution. When a conflict arises, take a deep breath, relax, and simplify. Never feel ashamed if you need to stop and ask for directions.
I'll leave you here with my best wishes for the fall. Work hard in school, give your all during "Nutcracker" rehearsals, and most importantly, have fun. And the next time we meet, I'll be a college senior! n