This growing up thing is hard.

You don’t realize how much sh*t you’ve dealt with until you 1: Pause 2: Breathe 3: Reflect 4: Smile, and plan for the future.

So here, this is what I’m asking you to do. Take a moment to ask yourself, “What advice would I give my younger self?” and “Where the hell do I want to go, moving forward?”

Currently, this is the advice that I would give anyone who is first starting college. Please comment and add what advice you’d personally give yourself!

1. There Will Be More Parties.

Take your studies seriously. It’s not worth playing (as my friends and I would call it), until 3 a.m. then taking an exam at 9 a.m. Your grades matter. Yes, “Cs get degrees”- but Cs do not guarantee your admission to a future Masters Program.

…And I could pay the interest of my loans with the beer money I’ve thrown away in the last six years. The cost of playing every weekend is not worth it.

2: Speaking Of Beer Money…Understand Your Loans And Extra Expenses.

Seriously. That stuff adds up. Like…really, really.

I wish I had been more financially responsible. Try to put 10 percent (or more if possible) of all earnings in a savings account each month. And budget yourself on “the extras” like Starbucks coffee in the mornings, or the weekly “Happy Hour with the buds at Applebee’s.”

You’ll thank yourself later.

3. Continually Play.

Join an intramural. Jog. Try rock climbing. Try underwater-basket weaving. Go on an extra long walk after class.

Not only is exercising/playing a big stress reliever, it’s also a great way to build confidence, a way to meet people, and a way to learn a new, lifelong skill. Working in the corporate world, I’ve learned that playing keeps extremely busy people, sane- and prevents stress and burnout. I wish I had played more and tried more activities (like underwater basket weaving) when I first started college.

Try something new!

4. Compete Against Yourself. No One Else.

Above I stated, “Continually Play” because after a few years of college, I stopped playing. I stopped playing because I had become out of shape compared to what I was like in high school, and felt like I had to be good at the sport/activity to participate.

“Damn. I ran a half a mile…and I’m out of breath… Why run anymore? I’m not good at it.”

Or

“Damn. I suck at writing. Why do it?”

I was once a semi-decent softball player, who found herself scared of the ball. I decided to stop playing intramurals. I was once a semi-decent actor, who then couldn’t commit the time to be in the seasonal play. I decided to stop playing improv games. I always wanted to learn how to skateboard, but didn’t think I was good enough to try. I decided to not buy a board.

Don’t let yourself think this way!

Change your attitude to think, “Why the hell not?”

Since then, I’ve completely changed my perspective. I play summer league, goofy softball, I’ve re-opened my monologue book, I’ve started to skateboard, I’ve started writing for this blog, I now create bad jewelry that I love, and I go on weekly jogs. I do this for myself, and no one else.

5. Don’t Eat Sunflower Seed Shells.

Or whatever bad, kid habits you have. Like for real. 12-year-old-routines need to die sometime.

6. Learn How To Manage Your Time

Read a book on managerial tactics of how how to not waste your time. (I read "Harvard Business Review's 10 Must Reads On Managing Yourself" - this book helped me a ton.)

Learn to get off Facebook or Instagram (or to at least delete the apps off your phone during study time). Learn what calendars or alarms work well for you. (I tend to write out my weekly schedule each Sunday, so I know what the following week holds.)

Don’t get stuck in the routine of procrastination!

Don’t let social media side-track you!

Don’t put sh*t off to the last minute!

(You’ll kick yourself later if you do.)

7. Introduce Yourself To Your Teacher.

Lecture hall, online classes, or smaller environments. Take a few minutes to introduce yourself to your professor, and explain to him/her why you are taking that class. Make an impression! Reach out early, to ask what chapters to start reading. In result, teachers may have more understanding for a late assignment, or may even have a book you can borrow for the class (happened to me a few times! Saves so much money!).

These introductions open a line of communication, better understanding of the course material, answer any questions you have, and may even result in future job opportunities.

Go for it! Don’t be shy!

8. Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself.

A lower grade than expected (or an F) is not the end of the world.

No- I’m not saying you should stop caring, and throw parties/ragers in your basement every night, and wake up to a bathtub of Jello shots (see point number 1). However, if circumstances change and you make a mistake- It’s OK.

I failed one class a few years ago- An intro algebra class (I stink at numbers). I was devastated. I had misevaluated the amount of time I should spend on homework. I started to go to a tutor too late in the semester. I was too scared to ask for additional help. I became discouraged, and beat myself up. I cried (like a lot). “How could I have done this?! I’ve always been a great student! Why?! Why?! Why?!”

It’s OK.

Take your mistakes as a learning opportunity. Realize what went wrong, why it went wrong, and what you’ll do next time.

9. Just Go To The Damn Tutor.

See number 8.

Go to the tutor before it’s too late!

It’s OK to ask for help. Your school has great resources available. Whether it’s receiving extra help in the Writing Center, Math Center, or even going to a Resume Building Workshop. Go for it!

These resources are there for you. You pay tuition for them. And whether or not you’ll want to admit it…These Tutors/Advisors know what they’re talking about! And, like stated in number 7- These lines of communication open yourself up to meeting people, better understanding your educational path, and even potential career opportunities!

10. Enjoy It While You Can!

(And pet as manydogs as possible.)

Enough said.