I remember once viewing an interview in which Ricky Martin said that if he could do anything in the world it would be to go back and tell the old him what he knew then. I pondered this idea because I was curious as to what I would know now that I did not know then. The time has come and I now have things that I would tell the old me.

These Are Not The Best Years Of Your Life

I remember being a senior in high school and going to my first assembly. It never failed that the principal would say the following: "Seniors enjoy this last year, your high school years are the best years of your life." I thought back to the last three years and I wanted to cry because honestly they were far from the best. Well 17 year old Karla, you were right. The best years of my life, thus far, have been my college years. I think that they should never say that to high school students, its a lie!

AVID

One year in the AVID program is all you need! Go back into band, the AVID class is not worth it. The only things that you will need to take from the program are the following: The binder and note taking strategies.

Stop Dating, Enjoy Life!

Okay, this is a huge one for me. I was in a relationship all throughout high school. I thought I would marry the last one, but now I realize that I kept myself away from myself. What I mean by that is that aside from college parties and friends I might have liked my college years a bit more because I got to know myself. Don't get me wrong my ex was awesome! But I challenged myself to be happy on my own and tried things that I honestly wouldn't have. Old Karla, be selfish with yourself there's a better version of you waiting to meet you.

Save! Save! Save!

Okay so getting that paycheck and spending it on clothes and makeup might sound like the cool thing to do, but you will enjoy college so much more if you have a savings account to pull out from. The college version of you might have appreciated it. Nonetheless, you will manage to get through.

Study Abroad

Okay, I kick myself for this one. My first year at a community college I got introduced to the study abroad program. Granted, I was getting paid good money at work and I guess you can say I had money to spend. Old Karla, go ahead! This opportunity is really a great one!

Although, I wish that I could go back and tell myself all of these things I am able to recognize that they have shaped me into the person that I am. I think back to who I was and I can say that I am happy with who I've become. Regardless of what we may do in life, the trick is to enjoy every step along the way to the person who you want to become.