1. It is true that most people only look out for themselves, but keep an eye out for the few good people.
I think it is a stigma not only present in my generation but others as well. Yes, people do have an elevated sense of self-interest becomes it is an innate evolutionary trait. However, I have met some pretty fantastic people that are able to put their self-interests aside in order to help me grow and flourish as a human being. If you have a closed mind towards opening up toward people your entire life you fail on missing out on some pretty awesome and fundamental relationships. In addition, I truly do believe getting hurt by many is worth having real love from a few. Life is hard, people, you can’t get through it alone, so start opening up to the right people, and I promise good things will happen.
2. They say people hate to see you be successful, but they never tell you how ruthless they’ll be in order to tear you down
I know I am still in college and, in many ways, have not exactly experienced certain aspects of the “real world.” However, being heavily involved in the community surround DePauw, as well as many clubs and activities on campus, I have learned that if people feel threatened by you, they will do their best to eliminate that threat. It is important to be confident in who you are as a person, and let their words roll right off your back. What someone says about you does not define you, however how you factor their words into your future decision making does. People are going to say awful things about you, but the reality is giving them a response or any attention at will only feed their fire, as well as waste your time. People will be ruthless, they will try to hit it where it hurts, but at the end of the day when you’re successful and making millions, you won’t care that Becky from way back when spread a rumor about you.
3. You do not need to have your life figured out
I think everyone imagines their life going just about the same way: go to college, get a job with lots of money, start a family, and live happily ever after with your millions. Although it is a nice dream, you don’t need a plan and you don’t need to panic if you don’t have one. I came into college freaking out because it seemed like everyone around me knew what they wanted to do with their lives and I didn’t, in fact, I still don’t, but I have learned that that’s OK. I have been fortunate enough have mentors on this campus, that have had their jobs for years and still admit they aren’t really sure what they want to do with their lives. People are dynamic, the world is constantly changing and as result, it is OK for us to change our minds. The most important thing is that you find purpose in what you are pursuing.
4. You are going to let people down
I think this one is the hardest pill to swallow. I think everyone group up with someone in their life that they looked up to and admired, for whatever reason. I mean, for example, I love my mom and appreciate everything she has done for me, so as a result in a lot of my actions I try to do things that make her proud. I feel bad when I disappoint her, it makes me sick to my stomach, and I think everyone has the figure in their life that they strive to not disappoint. I mean, what’s worse than hearing the D word from the people you value the most? But here's the thing — you can’t avoid it. Growing up means that you are now making your own decisions about what direction you want your life to in, and sometimes not everyone is going to agree with that decision. Yes, in the moment you might feel anxious and upset or even like a failure, but at least you’ll know you made the right decision for you. To be honest, at the end of the day it is important to take consideration the opinion of your mentors, but what you want and feel in your gut is most important.
