Even though it was only two years ago, I feel like I've grown tremendously since I was 18 years old. I've graduated high school, went away to college, and have gotten myself involved in a lot of organizations on campus. I don't regret any of the decisions that I've made; they've made me who I am today, but if I could go back in time, this is what I would tell myself:
1. Don’t worry too much about what other people think about you.
All I cared about (and sometimes still care about) is what I looked like in other people's eyes. I've realized no one really is going to analyze you that much. Stop worrying and start enjoying life.
2.Your friends in high school now aren't going to be your friends after you come home from college.
Except for those few, true friends, mostly everyone is going to find new crowds to hang out in, and that's okay, because you are too. You and your friends are growing as people, and that means branching out into different social groups.
3. Boys are, and always will be, stupid.
Boys are going to mess with your heart and that boy at that frat party is not going to be the one and only. But you may finally find one that drives you only a little insane and treats you like a princess.
4. DO NOT spend a bunch of money on those really nice jeans or tight clothes.
Because the freshman 15 is so real. And besides, nowadays, leggings = life.
5. Tell your Mom and Dad that you love them more.
I let out all my teen angst on my parents, and now I only see them a few months out of the year. Being halfway done with college, it's getting more and more real that I'll be leaving home for good before I know it.
6. Actually call for your call-in at Hollister so you don't get fired.
Whoops. I hated working there anyways. Who wants to wear flip flops and shorts when there is snow on the ground?!. And it's always smelly and dark with way too many spoiled middle schoolers running around.
7. Get a hobby.
When I went through sorority formal recruitment, I was asked the "What do you like to do for fun?" question. I was stumped every single time. "Uhhh, hang out with friends?" "I like the outdoors." Bullshit. Go find something you like so you can be more interesting.
8. High school grades do not matter.
Being a semi-perfectionist, I wanted really good grades; however, I was going to a public school that accepts pretty much everyone that could meet the minimal requirements for graduating high school. Studying for hours for that history test when you already had a B+ in the class doesn't matter in the long run. Watch Netflix (or go start that hobby) instead.
9. Don't be a mean girl.
Don't say mean things about others behind their back. You don't know what they're going through. Have more of a heart and reach out to others instead of turning away.
10. Apply for all the scholarships.
500 word essay... 1000 word essay on this... 2 pages on that. It seems daunting, and not like something you want to do, but do it. Loans suck.
11. Follow what you want to do, not what others tell you to do.
Just because Mom is a teacher and Dad is a doctor doesn't mean you have to be either of those. Just follow what your heart is telling you to do (FYI: your 20 year old heart still doesn't know what it wants to do yet.)
12. Break rules.
Sneak out past your curfew. It's easy to tell you now because 20-year-old you lives two hours away from home with only a house mother to watch over her, but live a little and go experience more things (like that hobby)!
13. Do not sign up for 8 a.m. college classes.
You think you can handle 8 a.m. right now in high school, but it's so different. No one can explain why that is, but just don't do it.
14. You will find your true friends once you get to college.
And there's about 85 of them in a little thing called Gamma Phi Beta. It's truly incredible, don't miss out on that opportunity.
15. You can't please everyone.
Stop going through life trying to please everyone around you. Not everyone can be your BFF. Not everyone is going to like you, and that's okay. Of course, reach out to everyone you possibly can, but you will always have your few best friends. Quality, not quantity.
16. Be more goofy.
Everyone has a goofy side. You do too, it just takes a little more to bring it out of you. Break the shell and enjoy yourself around others. Dance randomly, make crude jokes, and be spontaneous and stupid.
17. Push yourself to achieve more.
Don't settle for anything. Get outside your comfort zone and experience more. Join some clubs, pick up a newspaper and read what's going on in the world, lead someone or something. Challenge your mind!
18. You don't need to compare yourself to anyone else.
You are you. And that's what makes you so great. Don't compare yourself to the girl sitting next to you in class or the girl you see all over Instagram. You have an incredible mind and a uniqueness about you that attracts the best out of people. Be confident in who you are and go on and conquer the world. Life isn't too bad at 20!
