So you graduated high school, congratulations. I mean, really, congratulations. I know you've heard "you did it" and "way to go" a billion times by now, but it really is something to be proud of. Yet, if you are anything like I was when I graduated high school, there's a part of you that doesn't really believe it. You hear all your friends talking about all the different schools they are going to go to and how far away they are going to move, but you can't really comprehend that. In fact, you can't even comprehend that you won't step foot into public education anymore. Don't worry, this is normal, and if you are like most people, it's going to take you awhile to let all of this sink in.
But there are some things you need to do—yes, I mean need—before you start college this fall, because trust me, everything is going to change. I know it sounds scary, and you probably don't even really believe me, but ask anyone you know who is currently in college or just graduated college—everything changes.
Before your world flips upside down, here are a couple of things you have to do to make the transition easier and to make the memories fonder.
1. Something Adventurous
Adventure by definition means an unusual and exciting activity. It doesn't have to be extreme or hardcore or life-threatening, but it could be.
Go on a spontaneous trip: Get as many friends as you can to carpool with you to the nearest, most stunning hiking spot that you know of. Or just hop in the car and drive to a town you've never been to before. The world is your oyster, as long as you don't run out of gas or ideas. Remember that once fall begins, you aren't going to have the time for such spontaneity, and you certainty aren't going to be able to hangout with your old high school friends as much, if at all. Take it all in, the view and the thrill of the adventure that got you wherever you end up with your friends.
2. Something Stupid
Stupid by definition means lacking intelligence or common sense. Before you get too carried away with planning what could be an unintentional suicide, I do not mean go jump off a bridge and see if you survive or see how many beers you can shotgun before you throw up.
Do what you've never done, but have always wanted to: Climb on top of your old high school just because it's risky and dumb, or prank your friends because the opportunity presents itself. Go to Waffle House at 3 a.m. if you've never been, or go to the midnight premiere of a movie and sneak snacks in. Before I left for college, I was too scared out of my mind to break any rules for fear of getting in trouble. I am by no means advocating law-breaking or disobeying your parents, but I will say that the fondest and best memories I have of college are when I was not doing what I was supposed to. Try this theory out with your high school friends, you'll have better memories of high school and cooler stories to tell in college.
3. Something Documented
If I told you the definition of documented, it'd probably bore us both to death, so let's skip that part, and I'll explain what I really mean.
Take a picture or make a video: Once again, this screams boring. But it isn't. You could accomplish this while you are doing something stupid or your something adventurous, or while you are doing really anything with your friends, but make a point to do it because when you find it two years later it will be worth it. I cannot tell you how many times I've found one of these gems and died of laughter. When you get to college, you start creating new memories with your new friends, and honestly, you forget a lot about what you did in high school. You remember the basics of who your friends were, who you hated, who you crushed on forever, the easy stuff to remember. However, when it comes to what you did with your friends, it's easy to forget the details. You are going to want these photos and videos to reminisce on the good memories of high school.
4. Something Artsy
"Artsy" I'm pretty sure doesn't have a definition because it isn't a real word. Oh well.
DIY: The term DIY (do it yourself) has now become associated with everything pink, frilly, sorority-associated or Pinterest-related. But this does not have to be any of those things. It could be as basic as painting a canvas (or in my case attempting to) or as advanced as changing the color of your room. This allows you to create something just for you, something that you can hold on to and look back on, to see what kind of person you were then because you will change. You will not be the same person. That is okay. Create something for the purpose of holding onto it, because a part of you will always be the person you are now.
5. Something Meaningful
The definition of meaningful is having serious importance, no extra explanation is needed.
Say what you mean: One of my only and biggest regrets post-high school is not telling the people who really meant something to me, that they meant something to me. Now, those people are so far away from my life, it would probably be awkward for both parties if I called them up and said the things that I had wanted to say back then. This doesn't have to be some long drawn out heart-to-heart. If you love someone, say I love you. If you care about someone, tell them you care about them. If you think someone is kind, tell them that you think they are kind. Give compliments where they are due, not only does this boost their confidence, but I promise it feels good to see them smile too.
6. Something for You
You are the only person who can define yourself.
Me time: Your personality, your hobbies, your passions, and your feelings—do not ever let anyone change these things about you. They will change inevitably—that is life. But, make sure it is because you are doing the changing, not the people you are surrounded with. However, in order to keep yourself sane and healthy, it is necessary to have time for yourself. When you move away in the fall, most likely you will be sharing a room with someone else. It sounds fun, and it really is a great time, but alone time is seldom. Soak it all in before you leave for college. Read books for fun or sit outside on your front porch, reflect on who you want to be, and who you are in that moment. Not only will this prepare you for not having a lot of alone time in college, but also for the life-defining moments in college where you have to choose who you are going to be, who you are going to hangout with and what you truly stand for.
Now go out and have a good time, break some rules, throw some paint, drive to the middle of nowhere just because. In a few months, you won't have this luxury; adulthood is fast approaching. There are no survivors, it is imperative that you grow up, but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun while still can. Don't get me wrong, adulthood has it perks! You become your own boss, but the price to pay is responsibility. Run while you still can.
