I had no idea what freshman year would be like until it smacked me in the face. So many emotions filled the small room I found myself standing in as my family unpacked around me—such a big change in just one weekend. The past eighteen years didn't seem like they had been enough to prepare me for the journey ahead. Throughout the course of the coming year, however, I would learn that yes, the past eighteen years did, in fact, prepare me. They prepared me well, and the letter my dad handed me that day helped me realize just that.
- Be happy.
- Pray for others and the world.
- Pray for yourself.
- Exercise.
- Eat right.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Become educated—gain knowledge and wisdom.
- Be involved in a small group—have a small group of quality friends.
- Never lose faith, have hope.
- Own a dog.
- Get outside as much as possible.
- Have a hobby that provides joy.
- Save as much money as possible.
- Travel.
- Fall in love only once.
- Read.
- Write down your goals.
- Find work that you enjoy.
- Have a quiet and safe place to call your own.
- Get back up when life knocks you down, and learn from the experience.
- Don't let your belongings identify who you are.
- Love difficult people, and forgive wrongs against you.
- On the dark days, always search and focus on the positive.
- Don't put yourself in a position to use profanity.
- Be wise about expectations.
- Don't dwell on the past. Spend 25 percent of your time planning the future. Live in the moment.
- Be comfortable with yourself, and know you are good.
- Drink plenty of water daily.
- Know yourself.
- Be honest all the time.
- Go to the beach or mountains at least once a year.
- Live within your income.
- Have quiet time for yourself.
- Find a mentor you can copy.
- Always prepare.
- Think before you speak; think before you act.
- Drive carefully. Check the oil in your car at least once a week.
- Find balance—mind, body, spirit.
So, as freshman year comes to a close, here's to the trials, the triumphs and the dad who was right (about life) all along.
