Birthdays in College?
#Lemon8Diary #birthdays #birthdaysincollege #collegestudent #expectationvsreality #friends #openminded #gratitude
When I was younger I had this idea that my birthdays in college would be me getting plastered in a club, or that 100 people would burst into my room when I woke up and shoved countless presents into my face.
Last year, I had covid and was in self isolation coughing and struggling to breathe while cooking myself dinner alone and crying myself to sleep. My roommates and teammates barely did anything for my birthday. Few presents, few calls and texts about my birthday. 0 posts. It was a sharp dose of reality that sometimes we have unrealistic expectations and take the simple things for granted.
This year, I transferred to a new college. I went out and didn’t come back to my apartment until 3. My room was decorated, I had a cookie cake. My roommates take me out to Applebee’s and paid for my dinner, bought my drink of choice from Walmart, sang me happy birthday with candles and we played a card game until we couldn’t stay awake anymore. And I received countless calls and texts from my friends around the country and presents mailed from my parents.
It was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. Not because it cost $1000, or because I got 70 presents, or because I spent it with a million people. It was because I got to spend a day with some of my best friends and laughing until I couldn’t breathe (unlike from covid last year).
I have no idea what my third birthday in college will be like next year. But I know that at the end of the day all I really want is for people to show me they care and want to spend time with me. That’s what makes birthdays special.
College is often a time filled with high expectations, especially when it comes to celebrations like birthdays. Many students envision their college birthdays as extravagant parties with large gatherings, but reality can be quite different. In recent years, the shift in how birthdays are celebrated has become apparent, particularly with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students have shared experiences of being in isolation, making them appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed. For instance, decorating a room, sharing a meal with friends, or playing games can create unforgettable memories that truly celebrate friendship and connection. Emotional gestures, including calls or cards from loved ones, can transform a potentially lonely day into a cherished occasion. The key takeaway is understanding that birthdays don’t have to be lavish affairs to be meaningful. The essence of celebrating lies in the connections we make and the memories we create with those who care about us. This perspective allows students to embrace the beauty of simplicity in their celebrations and focus on what truly matters in their relationships.
