10 Pieces of Advice For Graduating Sister
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

10 Pieces Of Advice For The Little Sister Who's Graduating High School

Live it up!

1184
10 Pieces Of Advice For The Little Sister Who's Graduating High School
personal photo

My sister is officially a high school graduate, and I couldn't be more proud. She has accomplished so much, and I know she'll be just as successful in her next chapter at Western Michigan University, where she'll be shattering glass ceilings on a daily basis in her journey to become a bad-ass world-traveling pilot. She's leaving the nest for good (sorry, Mom), but I've got some life lessons to help guide her through these next few years --

1. Say "Yes" to Everything

Maybe not everything, but a lot! College gives you so many opportunities, so make sure you take advantage of all of them! Go to the games, make late-night runs to the late-night diners and donut shops with your friends, and take ballroom dancing or something weird just for the hell of it.

2. Join Clubs

All colleges have an insane number of student organizations on campus -- join them! No matter your interests, there will always be something you can relate to. Joining a few clubs is a great way to make friends with people interested in the same things as you, and also a way to continue pursuing the passions that might not be fulfilled by your major.

3. Go Out

Don't be afraid to have some fun. College is the one time in your life where it's socially acceptable to party three nights per week. Doing well in your classes is important, but that's what Sunday afternoons are for.

4. Go to Office Hours

This is definitely one I need to take more advantage of. Even if you don't need extra help with schoolwork, professors appreciate when students take initiative to get to know them and put in the effort to do well. Plus, when you go to a big school, visiting during office hours is a good way to build a more personal relationship with your professors, which comes in handy when you need help with coursework, letters of recommendation, or just want class to be more enjoyable.

5. Keep Snacks on Hand at All Times

Movie nights are nothing without snacks. If you're the hangout room, your snack bin better act like it. Plus, I'm sure your dining hall will be way better than mine, but having a backup supply of goldfish and granola bars to supplement your diet on questionable sushi night is never a bad idea.

6. Put Your Health and Happiness First

Don't forget to take care of yourself. Even if it means missing some studying, set aside some time every day to do something that makes you happy. As far as health goes, do as I say, and not as I do. Go to the gym or something, I don't know.

7. Be Comfortable With Saying "No"

Although you should take advantage of as much as you can, it's also OK to put yourself first, even if it means letting other people down. You've always been pretty strong and defiant, so you won't have as much trouble with this as I did. I found myself doing too many things to make other people rather than myself happy, and that's still something I need to work on.

8. Push Yourself

You're capable of so many great things! Try out being extra independent -- explore your awesome new city (or fly to a new one -- that'd be cool), try something new that scares you at first or even just appreciate it when you get your work done without mom nagging you. This is the time to really get to know yourself and try your hand at being a real person.

9. Be Confident in Who You Are

You are awesome. You are driven, kind (to everyone but me) and strong. I believe in you sometimes more than I believe in myself. You'll meet a lot of different people in college and no doubt experience things that will change you, but don't ever lose the best parts of yourself.

10. Have FUN!

As Mom always said, you go to college because it's fun. Don't let these years pass you by; soak up every second. In the wise words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in awhile, you could miss it."


I'm so proud of you, Brooke! You're going to love college!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

27 Hidden Joys

Appreciation for some of life's most discredited pleasures.

29220
Best Things in Life

Life is full of many wonderful pleasures that many of us, like myself, often forget about. And it's important to recognize that even on bad days, good things still happen. Focusing on these positive aspects of our day-to-day lives can really change a person's perspective. So in thinking about the little things that make so many of us happy, I've here's a list of some of the best things that often go unrecognized and deserve more appreciation:

Keep Reading...Show less
beer on the beach

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

3086
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

54941
woman takes a selfie for social media
Pixabay

Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

26746
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments