I've been there. Five years ago I was a college drop out, less than a month away from moving to Los Angeles to try and make it in the acting world. At age 18 I thought I was invincible and that I knew everything. I had my whole life planned out for me. Now, my life took a 180. I'm a college graduate living three states over. Time flies by fast. I wish I took more time to slow down and really enjoy the little things, and learn new things along the way. So, this is for any 18, 19 year-old who thinks they need to live a hyper speed life. Stop and do this.
1. Learn a new recipe
You'll be amazed at how much you don't know how to cook. (My first time making fried rice was a disaster.)
2. Read a book
The Bible is a good one to start off with. If you're not religious then Harry Potter is one badass 13 year-old.
3. Take a class where you'll learn something
Don't take the one that's just an easy A. Yes, in the time being it's simple and you'll have more time for friends and social aspects. But I wish I took classes in subjects that I was more interested in learning about.
4. Be single
I honestly can't emphasize this enough. Don't worry about if that cute guy in your History class likes you or not. This age is the only time you can truly be single. Trust me, it is the most fun part of college. It's a time to find your bridesmaids, not your groom.
5. Don't choose a boyfriend over friendships
And just life in general. If you're one of those girls that has to have a boyfriend, that's OK, too, I guess. But don't choose to hang out with him 24/7. Have your own friends. Trust me, it's doable.
6. Learn from the seniors in classes, organizations, clubs, etc.
They know what they're talking about. They have the best advice for you because they've already been through it. So listen.
7. It's okay to change your major
I wish I did but I was too scared. Do what you love. Don't be afraid of change.
8. It's okay to take a year off
I did. Yes you'll be one of the oldest in your classes and maybe your friends will start calling you cougar but whatever.
9. Breathe
College can be stressful. Just know it's all worth it in the end. The memories and the friendships you make are everything you could ever wish for.
10. Friends come and go
When I was 18 I thought the person who was my go-to for everything was going to be my best friend forever. Now, we haven't spoke in 2 years. Not because we had a fight and had a falling out but we just grew apart. And that's OK. Growing up means you learn more about yourself and that may mean you and your childhood best friend grow apart.
11. Forget about time
Yeah that 5 year or 10 year plan you got going on. Forget it. Go with the flow. Yes, you want to have some kind of structure, but don't rely on everything to be perfect. Life is a maze, not a straight road.
12. Be kind
Yes being tough and having thick skin is one thing. But don't bash people or put people down to make yourself feel better. ESPECIALLY on social media (I had to re-learn this many times)
13. Use your planner
My planner saved my life when I was involved in all my organizations and was holding 3 positions while being a full time student all at the same time.
14. Use your head
Don't do something that may come back and bite you once you're in post-grad.
15. Work out
Freshman 15 is not a joke. Once you turn 21 it just gets even worse. Get your body used to working out now, even if it's just a mile and some crunches once a week. Take FULL advantage of the free gym your campus provides. As well as the free health center (probably what I miss the most).
16. Stay in touch with your freshman year friends
Don't let them go. They're the ones that saw your through your worst. Your first college party, your first college date, your first college class (probably because they lived with you through it — bless them).
17. It's OK to not be OK
Reach out to your friends. They love you and only want the best. Even if it's not to someone close to you, reach out to someone. Sometimes having an outside perspective on things helps.
18. Have fun
Get up on that barstool and dance the night away. Stay in and play board games with your best friends. Go outside and hike. But just have fun. College is only 4 years (give or take) out of your 80 years of life (give or take). Enjoy it. Don't take it too seriously, but also do. Learn everything. Love everything.
