The following are phrases I wrote for the Summer Kent Stater’s Orientation issue during the summer after my freshman year. I decided to reminisce while writing my senior column, so here’s what I thought I knew three years ago and what I know now.

What I thought I knew then:

The biggest myth about Kent State is that it isn’t a good or prestigious school. Just because we don’t go to Harvard doesn’t mean we don’t go to a good school and that we shouldn’t be proud of it.

What I know now:

I don’t know if I would give Kent State quite as much credit as I did back then. I wish my professors would’ve pushed me a little harder in class — I wish they would’ve blown my mind more than just a few times.

The times I learned the most were outside of the classroom:

from my friends, coworkers and casual conversations with professors.

What I thought I knew then:

Before starting college I wish I had known that your first year really isn’t that hard; you can become good friends with your RA and you shouldn’t take classes that are across campus when you only have 15 minutes to get from one end to the other. Oh, and carry an umbrella — we are in Northeast Ohio, and the weather can change at any given moment.

What I know now:

I was never friends with my RA. I have no idea why I said that. I had a class in Music and Speech and had to run to Michael Schwartz my freshman year in 15 minutes. You can bet your ass I never scheduled my classes like that again. And finally: Duh, always carry an umbrella. And wear boots to get through the 14 feet of snow. And a windbreaker for the 546-mph wind.

What I thought I knew then:

My favorite class is … Introduction to Ethics. Although it was a lot of work, it was extremely interesting. I enjoyed reading the philosophical writings of many people, past and present. The class really made me think so much differently than I did in high school.

What I know now:

Intro to Ethics is definitely still No. 1, but it’s closely followed by Pilates. Take exercise classes because they’ll force you to get in shape even if you’re busy or lazy. Exercising your body as well as your mind is much more fulfilling than just one or the other.

What I thought I knew then:

My favorite college memories are of moving into the dorms and going to parties on Thursday nights. Both of these experiences were new and exciting, and they seemed to bring endless possibilities.

What I know now:

This phrase makes me want to punch my 19-year-old self in the face. My favorite college memories now are still centered around friends, though. From banquets to bars to bonfires, I had the best times with Stater kids. There’s nothing like having intelligent, witty conversation over a beer at the Zephyr’s second-floor bar (RIP) with great people. Those are the times I truly felt like I was invincible.

What I thought I knew then:

You don’t just have to go to class, do homework and drink some beer on the weekends. There’s so much more out there — give it a chance and take total advantage of everything life throws at you. You won’t regret it.

What I know now:

You don’t just have to go to class, do homework and drink some beer on the weekends. There’s so much more out there — give it a chance and take total advantage of everything life throws at you. You won’t regret it.

Kristina Deckert is a senior visual journalism major and guest columnist for the Daily Kent Stater.