Obviously, my parents are a huge part of my life. Everything from advice to support to taking out a loan from the Bank of Dad, my parents have always been there for me. They have taught me so many important lessons about life, some of which I never thought would be important until now, after living on my own for a little over a year.
1. It's ok to ask for help
My parents have always taught me that it doesn't look bad on you if you have to ask for help. No matter if it was for school work or a task I was assigned or calling my mom to ask where my friends dorm would be, they have always made it clear to me that asking for help is always the best way to go.
2. It's not the end of the world if you fail a test or class and have to retake it
Both of my parents are very smart, and in the wake of me failing a test and being highly upset about it, I spent 45 minutes on the phone with my mom as she was taking me through that the whole world isn't going to crumble if I fail one test. She's always made it clear to me that it's fine if I have to retake a class, even if it has to do with my major because it's better to try again than to give up.
3. Make a mistake when you're young and learn from it
Growing up is a big game of trial and error, and my parents were always there for me when I had an error. They were sometimes upset with me when I did make a mistake but they always made it clear to me that it's better to learn my lesson now when I have them to help me than to make that mistake when I'm all on my own.
4. It's fine to quit a job you don't enjoy and find one better
Working is always rough, especially in college, and sometimes finding a job that is enjoyable and something you want to do is also difficult. My parents have always supported me when I have been looking for a new job and have always been by my side whether things were good or bad.
5. It's ok if college isn't for you, just don't waste your time
My dad id a firm believer that college isn't for everyone. Unless you're going to a doctor or a lawyer or something that requires an advanced degree, don't waste your time or money. Of course, I picked a career path that requires an advanced science degree, which he is fine with, he has always expressed to me, before and after deciding to go to college, that it may not be for me and he wouldn't be upset if I decided not to go.
6. Do things with your full ass, not half of it
I remember growing up and helping clean the house and always having to redo something because I did it "half-assed". No matter what it was, whether it was cleaning or school assignments I was always reminded to do things right the first time rather than having to redo it because I was slacking.
7. Keep yourself organized otherwise, things are going to fall apart
My parents live and breathe by Google Calendar. Every event was it that calendar from family hair cuts, events or concerts we were going to, or when the time was to ask them for a ride or money. I always hated getting those emails saying I was invited to an event by my dad, but now that I've moved out, if I don't have it written down, I will forget.
8. It's never ok to be late
When I was growing up, I never remember being late for anything. We are a "five minutes early is too late" kind of family. And even if it was just waiting outside to help bring in groceries, we were never a second behind.
9. Never quit
My parents have always taught me that quitting is never an option. If school started to get difficult, it's not the time to quit. If sports started to not go the way I planned, it's not the time to quit. Mackin's aren't quitters.
10. Call often
Whether it's calling them or my sister or my grandparents, I was also taught to call often, because you never know what is going to happen. It's always important to keep in touch, especially when I'm far away and visiting is difficult.
Although my parents have taught me way more than this, these ten things have always been the most important to me.
