Graduating high school is an exhilarating, overwhelming and thrilling time in any person's life. You are headed into the next chapter of endless possibilities and who would know more about the curiosities of a new wonderland than Alice from Disney's "Alice in Wonderland." Here are a few lessons to keep in mind as you start this new journey.
1. Madness is not necessarily a bad thing.
This to say, the best and most innovative ideas are not conceived by people who choose to play it safe. Take a risk every now and then. Be able to know the difference between a good idea and a stupid decision. Now this comes with time and proves that college is definitely a trial-by-error experience. High school may have been similar; however, now the decisions you make are completely your own. Your parents are not as involved as they were previously, so that means the consequences are also completely your own. Don't be afraid to form new opinions and have different ideas than everyone else. Think outside of the box—but, as someone once told me, "Who said it has to be a box?"
2. Think about everything.
Yes, everything—your words, friends, ideas, classes, what you're going to eat for lunch—everything. College is a time to really understand yourself. You need to always take a step back from your thoughts so you can understand your motivations for your decisions. And if you're not even sure what you're thinking, then you definitely shouldn't let everyone else know what you're thinking.
3. Time is of the essence.
I've always heard that there are three different aspects of college life: academic, social and sleep. Yes, there is an entire category dedicated to sleep. In college, you basically have to choose between two of the three. For example, if you choose to do all of your class work and then hang out with your friends, you will get no sleep. If you choose your friends and sleep, then you will suffer academically. Well, here is a novel idea: time management. Time management is definitely easier said than done, but if everything is aligned perfectly, then you can hit all three of those aspects. If you are one of those people who finds that perfect fit for everything, then let me know, because I still have no idea.
4. The grass is always greener—until it's not.
Envy can be the number one destroyer of happiness. And then, it isn't until you have what you thought you wanted that you realize you are still unsatisfied. This can be something as simple as comparing your dorm room decorations to your neighbor's down the hall to something as big as how you perceive your looks. If you are constantly comparing yourself to someone else, you are also constantly degrading yourself. If you finally got what you wanted, and it still wasn't enough, then what? It's the stumbling into an endless rabbit hole that goes nowhere but down.
5. Change is to be expected, and it should even be welcomed.
During your time at college, you will change. Whether it's your looks, your personality or your opinions, it's an inevitable part of growing up, and that's what's supposed to happen. Change can be scary and even intimidating, but college is the perfect time to expand your understanding of the world, and yourself. In fact, it would be scarier if you hadn't changed at all in your college years. Be prepared for some years of change, but also years of self-understanding, and maybe some clarity, too.
