Well... I officially have around 5 more hours left as a college student. Truthfully, it doesn't seem real at all. While I am graduating very early, it truly seems like these past two years at school have come and gone in the blink of an eye.
I made some of the most amazing friends, went on some crazy adventures, and probably ate one too many cookies. If you're in college right now, chances are you have the occasional moments where everything seems to be falling apart (Lord knows I had mine). Here are the 31 things you need to hear:
1. Everything is going to be ok
It probably doesn't seem like it, but EVERYTHING is going to work out. You are going to graduate. You are going to get a job. You are going to succeed.
2. Go out once in a while
Netflix and your bed will still be there once you get back. They'll even be there once you graduate. But you will never have another time in your life when you can go out with your closest friends who all live within a 2 mile radius.
3. Stay in once in a while, too
College is fun. It's spectacular even. But that doesn't mean you should forget to take care of yourself. Once in a while, opt to stay in for a night of Netflix in bed and get to bed early.
4. Nothing lasts forever
Whatever feelings of distress you may be feeling will go. The stress your under will change. The feeling of "I can't do this" will be replaced with "I did that."
5. Do something everyday that scares you
Wise words from Eleanor Roosevelt. Everyday, push your comfort zone. College is a time to grow and you should bask in that.
6. Do NOT, under ANY circumstances, drop a class past the drop date that you're going to have to repeat
If you have a course in your major that you will have to complete in order to graduate, do not drop it past the drop date. Why? "Isn't it better to get a Withdrawn than a bad grade?" No, it's not. If you quit, you're going to have to start over from the bottom when you take the course again. All you have to do is go a little bit farther.
7. Make mistakes
Mistakes are how we learn. You should try and fail at one thing everyday. If nothing else, it will give you something to look back on and laugh about.
8. But learn the difference between mistakes and mistakes that alter your entire life
You can make mistakes and then you can make mistakes. The latter can change your entire life. Sometimes for the better, but usually for the worst.
9. Say yes once in a while
Say yes to change, say yes to going out, say yes to something you never thought you'd say yes to. It's okay.
10. Take the hard class
Yes, it will be challenging, but it will be so worth it when you finish.
11. Learn to love yourself
It may take your entire four years in college to get this one down, but please learn to love yourself before you graduate. Learn to love your flaws, your curves or lack thereof, your loud voice or quiet personality, your crooked nose or big hands - whatever insecurities peg you, learn to love them for all that they are.
13. Learn to tell a good guy from a bad one
The sooner you learn this one, the better off you'll be. Some dudes suck.
14. Learn to listen to what people are telling you
If you feel like someone is constantly blowing you off, listen to that. If a guy tells you he ONLY wants a hookup, listen to that. If someone treats you poorly, listen to that.
15. Don't waste your time in a relationship that doesn't want the same thing as you
This goes for friends and romantic relationships. You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, don't surround yourself with people who have no goals or ambitions. Sometimes you'll run into a guy who only wants to hookup, at least he's telling you up front. If you want a relationship, don't waste your time with him.
16. Stay true to your convictions
We all have convictions and beliefs, they make us who they are. Whatever morals you hold, stand true to them and don't let them waver.
17. Eat that doughnut
You're young. Your metabolism is still high. Enjoy the doughnut with your friends because soon you'll be enjoying a doughnut with your coworker and it is definitely not the same thing.
18. Eat that celery stick, too
This isn't a weight thing. It's not a calorie counting thing. It's purely the fact that your body needs healthy food. College will surround you with sweets and junk food galore. Indulge once in a while, but not all the time.
19. Pay attention in class
It's very easy to pull up iMessage on your Mac or doze off, but trust me. If you pay attention in class it'll make things 1000x easier.
20. Everything works out just as it should
It can be really hard to believe this one, especially when everything seems to be going wrong. Just remember that whatever is happening to you is happening for a reason. One day, some day soon, you will realize it all makes sense.
21. Follow your dreams
Whatever they may be, follow your dreams with a whole heart and dedication.
22. You are much more stronger than you think you are
Do not limit yourself to saying you can't do something. You are so much more powerful and stronger than you think you are.
23. Hard work will take you far
I promise you, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to with hard work and determination. It may take a week, a year, or even a decade, but eventually you will succeed.
24. Nothing good ever happens after 2 AM
I've heard this everywhere since coming to college. On "How I Met Your Mother," from Professors, even from a bartender. Nothing good ever happens after 2 AM. Once the clock passes that magic number, just go home.
25. You are worth so much more than you think you are
Don't doubt yourself. Set expectations and goals for yourself. Give yourself the credit you deserve.
26. College is for finding the bridesmaids, not the husband
If you happen to meet a wonderful man during college, go for it. But your college career should not be centered around finding a man. Go out, enjoy yourself, meet new people. The right man will come along when you least expect it.
27. College is tough, but you're tougher
There will be days that hit you so hard that all you can manage to do is sit down and question if you're capable of even finishing your degree. You are. You are capable of so much more than you think you are.
28. Call home once in a while
Your parents are the only people in this world who will ever give you unconditional love. Give them a call once in a while to update them on your life, you won't regret it.
29. Spending time with loved ones is never wasted time
With work, homework, studying, assignments, and so much more, it's easy to feel that any time spent towards something that's not school is a waste. But spending time with friends and family is never wasted time.
30. Don't half ass anything
If you're going to dedicate your time and energy to something, give it your all. There's no use in only doing a semi-decent job at something.
31. There is a greater plan at hand
Whether your religious or not, there is a greater plan at hand. It may be God's, it may be the universe's, but there is a greater plan at hand and it will ensure that everything you endure is happening for a reason.