To the 17-year-old girl who is slightly dazed and very confused - this one's for you.
Hey, you. Congratulations! You finally did it; you graduated high school and in just a few short months will be off to explore the crazy, beautiful, mixed-up world that is college.
Crazy, right? I know.
It feels like only yesterday that I was in your shoes, excited, yes, but mostly nervous for all that was to come. But somehow, four years has passed since I was in your position - that's what's really crazy. I'm about to graduate from the absolute best four years of my (our) life, and although I don't want to give away too many surprises, I'll tell you this - you're going to have THE time of your life.
You're going to find your bridesmaids, your best friends, yourself. You're going to join a sorority (however, newsflash, it won't be the one you think you're going to join... That's okay though, it's going to be way better). You're going to love college so much that when your time is up, you're never going to want it to end. And although I can assure you that you don't have too much to worry about, I decided to write you a list (you know me, I love lists) of everything that I wish I knew when I was a freshman.
1. The boy that you meet on the first night of college in a sweaty fraternity basement is not the love of your life.
2. It's easy to get lost in a crowd, so always do your best to stand out.
3. Stand up for what you believe in even if everyone around you is telling you to sit down.
4. Love yourself because sometimes you're all that you have.
5. The big picture is made up of 1,000,000 little things. Those are the things that matter most.
6. You don't need to order a pizza at 3 am, you're right. But sometimes it's okay to order it anyway.
7. You're never going to change him. Don't even try.
8. You can retake ECON152, you cannot retake your life.
9. He's lying, there's absolutely nothing cool going on in the basement if everyone else at the party is upstairs. It's okay. Go anyway.
10. If you know that you're in the wrong, apologize.
11. A bad hair day is not an excuse to stay inside. Put a hat on and take the day by storm.
12. You don't always need to dance on tables. But when you do, make sure it's for a special occasion. Like a birthday or a Thursday night.
13. Being dumb is never cute. Being smart is always sexy.
14. With that being said, work hard and study often.
15. Stop caring so much about what other people think. If you like your outfit, wear it.
16. People are going to hurt you, badly. But keep in mind, two wrongs will never make a right.
17. F**k a thigh gap. You're absolutely beautiful just the way that you are.
18. Push yourself to new limits. I promise that you will surprise yourself.
19. Asking for help will never make you look weak. In fact, it will make you look that much stronger.
20. Stop calling him. Stop texting him. And definitely stop Snapchatting him. If he wanted you, he would be there.
21. It's his loss.
22. Make sure you tell your parents that you love them every single chance that you get.
23. Always forgive. Never forget.
24. Stay up-to-date on current events. Not only is this a good habit to get into, but it will help you on a pop-quiz every now and again.
25. Don't let anyone other than yourself define your self worth.
26. Go with your gut. If you have a bad feeling about something, there's probably a reason why.
27. Take a lot of pictures. You're going to want to look back on them one day.
28. Go to the gym.
29. Look up from your phone. There's a whole lot of life happening around you.
30. Being confident is very important.
31. Honesty will always be the best policy; with yourself and with others.
32. Mascara is expensive; stop crying over a stupid boy.
33. There is a boy man out there who will do anything he can just to see you smile. Wait for him.
34. Don't take anything for granted because absolutely nothing in this world is guaranteed.
35. There's a difference between being carefree and being careless. Learn it.
36. There's never been a time when tequila has been a good idea. There's also never been a time when getting back with an ex was a good idea, either.
37. That being said, when faced with the decision, choose the tequila.
38. Be thankful. You, my friend, are one of the lucky ones.
Enjoy it, kiddo. You've got your whole life ahead of you. Be careful though, and don't blink. Because before you know it you'll be in my shoes, getting extremely emotional as you write a letter to your younger self reminiscing on what a beautiful life you have.
I love you. Don't lose your sparkle. (SPOILER ALERT: you won't.)
Xoxo,
Your Senior Year Self
