It's crazy how fast these 4 years will fly by. Seriously, compared to high school, it FLEW by. It still feels so surreal to me because I remember freshman orientation like it was just yesterday! But man, college has been a blast. I've learned so much, accomplished things I would've never thought I could do and witnessed incredible growth and transformation within myself. I am so blessed and thankful every day for attending one of the best universities in the world, so with
1. Try as many different things as possible.
Enroll in a dancing course. Sign up for a kickboxing class. Take guitar lessons. Sit in on an advertising class. Learn a new language. Go to an unfamiliar place. Study abroad. What's the harm in trying new things? Nothing. If you don't like it, you can always stop. But never stop exploring! You never know what you might come across.
2. Do what you want to do.
Even if you're afraid you'll fail. Even if you're afraid of what others might say. Trust me there's nothing better than having done it and saying, "Wow, I achieved what I wanted to do" instead of looking back and thinking, "Man, I wish I didn't let those obstacles stop me from doing that."
3. You do not have all the time in the world.
Don't take the time you have, right now, for granted. Your window of time in college will not last forever and your time to do what you want is getting shorter every day. Ask your crush out, eat that slice of pizza, say hi to the cutie sitting next to you in class. You really don't have any time to waste!
4. Life is not a competition.
Everyone's on their own journey. Stop comparing your situation to others. Stop worrying so much about what others are doing. Do not do something if you know it can tear someone down. Life is supposed to be about encouraging and supporting each other not being in a competition.
5. Take lots of pictures.
You're going to want to be able to look back on these moments. I'm someone who loves taking lots pictures, but even now I'm wishing I took a bunch more back in my freshman year. These are some of the best years of your life, take a bajillion of pictures so years from now you can remember all the wonderful memories you made and see how much you've grown.
6. Nothing's wrong with staying in bed on a Friday night and watching Netflix.
Sure, it's college and the party and social scene is big. But don't feel obligated to go out every night if you know you'll have a better time at home. You're not going to be wasting time doing the things that make you happy. Plus you're not missing out on much by not going to that party, trust me.
7. Be kind to others.
Everyone's fighting a hard fight, and college is already hard enough. Sometimes all it takes a small act to brighten someone's day. Smile at everyone and just be kind to others, you never know whose day you'll make.
8. Go to your professors' office hours.
Don't be lazy!! I can't tell you how many times I told myself, "Ugh, I don't feel like going to Dr. so and so's office hours" but when I did, I found it to be extremely helpful. Chances are you're struggling in the subject, but you just don't feel like making the trip to see your professor after class. Do it. If you ask for help, you'll find that professors are more than happy to help you improve and succeed in the class.
9. Don't slack off.
College is not all about the partying and hanging out with friends. Remember how much you're paying for tuition, for your education and keep up with your schoolwork. Your GPA doesn't define you, but make sure you're learning and giving your best.
10. Dream big. Challenge yourself. Blow your mind.
Push yourself beyond your limits. Reach for new heights. Engage in deep, meaningful conversations and ask questions that make you think hard. You are capable of achieving so many incredible things and you can do more than just enough. There's nothing holding you back.
