1. Do not work your life away.

Sit back, get coffee with your friends, drive to the beach at five in the morning and keep doing whatever makes you happy. Do not let anyone make you feel like you’re not working enough because they personally enjoy working. If you like to work, there’s nothing wrong with it. But the second you see your grades suffer, cut your hours back. Work should never alter your academics, nor should it prevent you from ever having fun.

2. Say thank you when someone holds the door for you.

Not only is it polite to thank someone for going out of their way to hold the door for you, but it’s also nice to get recognition in general. Always go out of your way to be nice. There’s no reason not to make someone's day.

3. Stressed spelled backward is desserts.

Science proves that chocolate is a natural stress reliever, so by all means, indulge in some Hershey's kisses while you’re studying for that bio test. If you feel calm, your test results are going to be much more satisfying than you thought.

4. Check in with your guidance counselor monthly.

It is important to build a relationship with your guidance counselor. Once you do, he/she will easily know what’s best for you when it comes to college choices, schedule choices for the following year, and emotionally. Anyone who makes you feel guilty for going to guidance about personal problems is not worth your time.

5. Cut out soda, drink water instead.

As much as I love diet coke, the extra 10 pounds I’ve gained are definitely not something I’m proud of. It’s okay to have a soda every once in a while but remember to be kind to your body. Water is your friend, trust me (especially when you'll be dissecting a fetal pig in anatomy).

6. Dance in your kitchen with your friends.

Life is way too short to not twerk in your kitchen while making brownies with your friends. You’ll laugh for ages, and burn off all of the extra calories you’re about to take in.

7. Do not listen when they say, “if he’s mean to you, then he likes you.”

Conventionally, we are used to hearing that when a boy likes you, he’s mean to you. I say forget about that and start sticking up for yourself. There is no excuse for someone treating you less than you deserve, just because they’re too immature to step up and admit their feelings. If someone’s mean to you, they’re toxic. End of story.

8. Do your own laundry.

Learning independence at a young age is a great thing. Trust me, the first time you do your own laundry without mom’s help is terrible…especially if you’re a freshman in college.

9. Take more pictures than you need to.

There’s nothing you’ll regret more than not taking enough pictures to capture a moment with your friends. I’m not saying to not enjoy the moment by any means, but make sure you have enough photos to last you a lifetime of smiles. Photo albums are also great birthday and Christmas presents.

10. Do what makes you happy.

If playing basketball is what energizes you to wake up in the morning, keep at it. If painting is what gets you through Mondays, keep at it. Whatever it is that makes your soul feel tingly, keep doing it. Do not compensate your happiness by taking that extra AP History class - in no way will it benefit your college education. Let your passions remain passions.