Practice a lesson for every month of the year...
1. Don't rely on others.
The first and hardest lesson to live by. No one else is going to actually get you where you need to go. Of course they'll offer their unconditional support and advice but ultimately it's you that has to grow up. In adulthood (much to my disappointment) there is no magic wand to solve your problems.
2. Don't miss out.
You'll end up with greater, more memorable stories doing things you wouldn't normally do, opposed to being introverted. Do something worth remembering and not regretting.
3. Don't take advantage of people.
College is going to bring you the best experiences of your life. You gain the best army of people to support, love, and respect you. The most loyal friends are totally honest and willing, which is a rarity among young adults. The absolute worst thing you could do to them is abuse those generous characteristics they're sharing with you. It only hurts you.
4. Don't forget where you came from.
Growing up means finding out who you really are and who you want to be, which is a fantastic journey, so long as you don't neglect your roots. Always live by the lessons your parents forced upon you and for good reason.
5. Don't slack off.
Constantly being swept up in the exciting whirlwind of being with your best friends is a blessing and a curse. The temptation to just forget the assigned readings and missing lectures is too real. Yet by this point you have enough common sense to know that no good comes out of that laziness. It'll actually take more effort playing catch up than just doing what's necessary. Don't cheat yourself!
6. Don't get caught up in drama.
Good God I thought we left that behind in high school, but I was sorely mistaken. I've never understood the attraction in playing vicious games or pointless gossip. Needless to say it's a waste of time and there isn't ever anything to gain from it. Pro tip: start watching "Gossip Girl" or "90210" to get your fix instead.
7. Don't forget your true friends.
Every semester ushers in new experiences and people. Meeting new people is overwhelming but exciting. Don't forget the ones who have always been by your side and are with you for the right reasons! True company is the best company.
8. Don't forget to relax.
Not to contradict lesson number two, but at the same time you have to know when to slow down. College is very draining, as fun as it is. You're the only one completely looking out for your health.
9. Don't Stay Discouraged.
There will always be the bad days that leave you in a slump. For awhile it's okay to feel a little sorry and isolate yourself to recuperate. Just don't stay in this rut or it becomes a dangerous cycle. Learn from the mistakes and focus on all the good in your life.
10. Don't live by other's rules.
The worst thing you could do for yourself is live someone else's life and ditch your way of operation. There's a reason you've been so successful the previous nineteen years so why abandon it now? Yes, it's always beneficial to incorporate new things into your life but do what works for you. You already know everyone is different.
11. Don't conform to standards.
The best friends I've made are ones I wouldn't have dreamed of befriending in high school. It's because they're all so different from me and that's what makes us all work. As one of my roommates commonly says, never settle for being "dangerously average."
12. Don't blow your budget.
Easily the most tricky lesson to obey. The summer after freshman year ended I had to sit down with my parents and have the dreaded "financial responsibility" talk. It's done a lot of good for me but it's also extremely easy to stray from the path. Fortunately it gets better with (or without) spending practice.
Good luck out there.
