This weekend, my family and I hosted my sister's high school graduation party. While I helped plan, clean and shop for her party, I couldn't help but to think back to my own graduation two years ago and how excited I was to be leaving for college (finally all of my stuff in one place again! #divorcekidprobs). In honor of her finishing 13 years of grade school, and beginning another four years of school in the fall, I thought I would make a list of things I wish people told me when I was getting ready to start college.
1. Enjoy being independent.
Enjoy having your own space and doing things on your own time.
2. DO NOT, wear your lanyard with your student ID/swipe card around your neck.
People will call you out, and you will feel embarrassed. This is kind of a weird one, because I'm pretty sure the whole purpose of a lanyard is to wear it around your neck so you don't have to hold everything ... college is weird.
3. If you can help it, don't sign up for an 8 a.m. class.
Morning people are a myth. You're probably thinking, "Hey, I got up at 6 for high school." I PROMISE you that getting out of bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and getting to this class on time will give a whole new meaning to the phrase "The struggle is real." You will be tired and you'll have to use every bit of brain power you have to keep yourself from falling asleep in class. By the time your coffee kicks in, the class will be over.
4. If you do have to take an 8 a.m., don't try to get all dressed up.
Roll smooth out of bed, throw your hair in a bun, put on some leggings and a hoodie, crab your coffee and go!
5. Actually study for exams
I never really studied in high school, and I still got pretty decent grades. In college, there aren't usually homework assignments or quizzes to pad your grade; and if there are, they only count for a small percentage of your final grade. You have to do well on the exams to pass the classes, so hit the books!
6. Make friends other than your roommates.
Getting along well with your roommates is obviously a good thing (I mean, you have to live with them), but you should expand your circle! At the very least, you need someone to complain to when you get annoyed with your roommates. It will happen.
7. Find a way to relieve your stress.
because you will definitely get stressed out ... a lot.
8. If you go out to a party, know your limits and don't try to surpass them to show off.
You know what's really impressive? Not passing out or throwing up and embarrassing yourself in front of a bunch of strangers. Be safe. You really don't want to be that person ...
9. Always go to and leave parties with a friend
Be smart. It's always good to have a friend looking out for you and making sure you're not doing anything too stupid. Of course, no one likes the friend that tries to be your mom, but make sure you go out with someone you trust.
10. Believe in yourself.
You have the power to make your dreams a reality. You can do great things.
Congrats Class of 2016!!
