The Advice I Wish I Could Give My High School Self
Start writing a post
Sports

The Advice I Wish I Could Give My High School Self

Be in the moment and cherish every day but also look forward at what's to come.

203
The Advice I Wish I Could Give My High School Self
Caroline Cook

Being in college, I have learned so many things that it almost feels like high school was a lifetime ago. However, looking back from a new perspective I wish I could give myself advice in order to make my life so much easier.

I would tell myself that college is not at all what you thought it would be. I thought I was not smart enough to even make it through the first semester. I thought I would get too wrapped up in the social aspect. I thought that maybe I would come to devastatingly find out that I just wasn't "college material". I wish I could go back and tell myself otherwise. I have what it takes to pursue a college education and a social life as well. I am smart enough to accomplish what I want at the University I love. So stop being too hard on yourself and give yourself a little credit.

I would tell myself that the ACT and SAT does not define your academic success. Honestly, I don't even remember what I got on either of those tests. I remember stressing over the many times I didn't get the score I wanted or was hoping for. I was scared I would never get into college. But I did and it happened to be the one I wanted. Those tests do not determine the rest of your life.

I would tell myself that all of the drama you think is so important really isn't. In high school your life revolves around who said this and who's dating who... but what I've come to realize is that literally NONE of that matters now. College is a totally different atmosphere. I wish I could go back and tell myself to stop stressing over drama because now drama is pretty much out of my life. College is a place that allows you to be free, do the things you want, and be the best version of yourself.

I would tell myself to cherish the time you have with your friends. This includes your close friends who you hang out with every weekend and also the "school friends" you strictly only talk to during class. Once graduation comes around you may never see some of them again. You know this will happen one day but it never really hits you until it actually does.

I would tell myself to appreciate your parents more because once you are three and a half hours away from them, you will miss all of the things they did for you on a daily basis. They're always looking out for you and you think it's annoying but they're doing it because they love you. Don't take them for granted.

I would tell myself to appreciate my hometown more than I did. I said so many times that I was ready to go to college and ready to move on from the small town I grew up in. That town shaped who I am today. I built relationships, learned what a community really was, and had the best memories in that town while growing up. You will miss it every now and then and that's okay. Remembering where you came from will keep you humble and true to who you are.

I would tell myself that everything really does go by in the blink of an eye. Looking back it feels like from the first day of freshman year all the way up until graduation day literally did "fly by". Everyone will tell you this and you will continue to just brush it off. However, they were right. The times you think will last forever don't. So make the most of the time you do have. But don't be afraid of the future. Moving on is apart of life. Be in the moment and cherish every day but also look forward at what's to come.


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

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51707
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33205
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956145
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181058
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments