I have a lot of titles in my life. I am a student. I'm a daughter. I'm a philanthropy chair, a campus rep, a babysitter, an active member, a friend, a pet-owner, but most importantly: I'm an older sister.
It's my job to be a role model and a leader...someone that my sister can be proud of and aspire to be. It's my job to set examples and set standards so she can hopefully follow in my footsteps. Now that my sister is going to college next year, all of that is really starting to hit me.
And hey, they say the best way to learn is from other people's mistakes, right?
1. Meeting people is important.
When you're on a campus with thousands of people you don't know, it's easy to feel alone or lost. You're no longer a big fish in a small pond. No one knows you. Start fresh. Be that weird girl that introduces herself to everyone. Literally everyone. You can never have too many friends.
2. Go the f*** to class.
Yeah, it sucks waking up for an 8 a.m. after a night out, but I promise that going to class still drunk/hungover for 50 minutes is a lot better than having a 0 as your attendance grade.
3. Learn how to drink.
It's easy to come to college and get hammered every night and make a fool of yourself. Don't be "that girl" everyone talks about. Learn how to have a good time without alcohol or drink in moderation. It's a marathon, not a sprint!
4. Think about your future.
College = opportunities...the good and the bad. Think about the possible consequences of what you're doing before you do it. What you do will never leave you. Remember that.
5. Guys are smart; you have to be smarter.
People say that guys are dumb, but they really deserve more credit. They know exactly what to say to get what they want from girls. You HAVE to be able to distinguish the genuine from the fake. College guys normally want one thing. Don't let one night of fun cause a lifetime of regret.
6. Don't blink.
These four years are supposed to be the best years of your life, but they are what you make it. Get involved. Find a passion or a hobby. Make connections. Establish yourself. Be the woman you want to be. Have a damn good time and be smart! I promise you can do both.
You're smart, brave, confident, and beautiful. Tell yourself that every day.
