1. You are enough. 

I'm starting off corny, but even so, this is super important. I have been rushing around this campus, constantly tired, constantly thinking about everything I need to get done, and pretty often feeling like I am not good enough to stack up against other juniors, other people in my major, and other people in general. I don't always shine brightest, but I am enough and deserve a place at the table.

2. Take pride in the little victories.

Not everything is going well, but I am learning to take pride in the small things that I can. Getting all of the iClicker questions correct in econ, remembering to turn in an assignment and getting it in two days early. Saying hello to every co-worker that passes my desk instead of being on my phone. A lot of small things can build up and make something awesome.

3. Treat yourself. 

Go see that movie you've wanted to see, even if no one else goes with. Get your nails done. Order GrubHub and be antisocial in bed for an evening. Turn off your phone for a couple hours and sleep. Whatever makes you happy, make it happen once in a while.

PS. I haven't in a while, but over the summer, I was putting $5 of my paycheck aside for 'treat yourself' money. It adds up, and I can pay to do some nice things now and then.

4. Help others.

This is SO SIMPLE, and yet I forget all the time. Ask that drunk girl stumbling if she is okay getting home. Tell that guy you like his shirt (I compliment guys so rarely. Why?). Help the classmate who seems to be struggling. Lend someone your notes. Helping each other doesn't have to be financial and it doesn't have to be something crazy. Like I said before, little things = big MEANING.

5. You will still lose friends. That is okay. You'll gain friends, too. 

I sort of thought the friends I made would still be around, and for the most part they are. But things are getting challenging and frankly, people are growing up. I am growing up and I'm trying not to be held back. I understand if someone outgrows me or cuts me off for not being what they need right now.

I'm making new friends, talking to everyone I can. My contacts in my phone have never been longer. And as long as no one is being terrible to each other, we'll all be alright.

6. You have to challenge yourself. 

A wise woman once told me to "do something scary every day." I have a journal with this emblazoned on it that I have never written in because it is so special to me. Its meaning holds true. Get outside your comfort zone, even if it is just raising your hand in a class you never raise your hand in. Ask a question of a professor after class. Ask someone out, apply for a program, do anything you can. Just try to do a little something.

7. Showing up can be enough. 

Some days, you get out of bed and that's all you feel capable of doing. Showing up where you need to be can be enough. Maybe you don't take the best notes in all your classes one day. Maybe you mess up an exam. But trying and making an effort when you feel least like you can is important.

8. Breathe. 

Take a moment. If you can, sit down. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Sometimes, you need a second to reset. Refocus. My favorite thing to do is sit down outside an academic building or on the Green and watch people go by. Of course, you can do this anywhere you are, really, but the point is, take a breather.

9. Take pictures.

I have so many memories and not enough pictures. I have to re-do a Halloween costume with my friends just so we can get pictures this year. I am so excited to go out and do things with my boyfriend, but we never take any pictures, even of the silly playbills or programs from shows. I want to get reminded of my stuff on Facebook a year later for memories. I want to be a little annoying and "like-seeking" on Instagram.

Take pictures. They really are worth a lot of words.

10. Stay as busy as you can. 

I stress, as busy as you CAN. Don't take on too much if you can help it, but staying busy keeps you sharp and engaged and can make you the most colossal influence in your workplace, your dorm, your friendships. Getting involved is great, and it can open doors to internships, jobs, friends, maybe even a romantic relationship (lol, that's why I'm not single now), and it keeps you occupied if nothing else. That hour of free time is awesome, sometimes. But sometimes it can be fun to be busy.