By: Samantha Meyer
1. Choose what makes YOU happy
Go on the trip or choose that person. Regardless of what your friends or family say, if it makes you happy do it. You only have one life and, lets face it, you’re already quarter of the way through it.
2. Volunteer your time
Helping someone or giving your time to a great cause will help you appreciate things a little more. You will walk away with a smile knowing you made someone’s day.
3. Your mom DOES know everything
As much as you disagree with what she has to say, she will always have the satisfaction of saying “I told you so.”
4. It’s okay to say no…
You don’t have to attend every party or go out on every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. Those nights will be there next week or the week after, and regardless, it’s the same thing every week.
5. …it’s also okay to say yes
College is NOT supposed to be all work and no play. Reward yourself with a GNO or a cookie from insomnia. Don’t forget to have a little fun while in college.
6. It probably doesn’t matter
As one wise Polish man once told me, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” –Jim Wojcik
7. Family is EXTREMELY important
FaceTime can cure homesickness, USE IT. Your family is always going to be there for you no matter what. Cherish your moments with them.
8. Take time for yourself
“Me time” is my favorite time. Read a book, take a bubble bath or a nap. Take time for you - relax and treat yourself.
9. Pay attention to your own thoughts
Listen to others but think for yourself. Question everyone… why is someone telling you that? Is it true? What do you believe? You’re 21 now, it’s time to be independent and create your own ideas.
10. Keep a diary
This is one of the most important life lessons I have learned, especially because I have the worst memory. At this time in your life you are going through a million life changes so write them down. What is important in college to you now might not be in five years but you will still want to remember every part of it.
11. You don’t know everything
Think about when you turned 16, 18 or even 20. You know a lot more now than you did then. You will never stop learning so listen to your elders.
12. Don’t make time for “friends” who don’t make time for you
This may seem self explanatory, but it’s not. Keep friends who are there for you and get rid of the ones who aren’t. They don’t have your best interest at heart trust me.
13. Exercise
You don’t have to do crazy workouts or even take fitness classes but do go for a walk. Don’t let yourself sit around all day in classes or at work. Your body needs to keep moving to keep yourself healthy and sometimes just to stay awake… yes college is hard.
14. Pay off your credit card EVERY MONTH
Yes, growing up is hard but you don’t want to be that person that blows their credit in their twenties. DO NOT buy things if you DO NOT have money. Self-explanatory...
15. You can never have too many friends
College is the time to make friends. Talk to the people you sit by in class, you never know who will become a new best friend.
16. Tweeting about your problems will not solve them
Nobody follows your twitter account to hear about you complaining about your life. Vent to a friend or write it in your journal. Just PLEASE don’t post it on twitter. On the flip side, if you are following someone who posts negative content all the time… UNFOLLOW THEM!
17. Success does not happen over night
Work towards your goals… They don’t call it blood, sweat and tears for nothing.
18. Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable
You’re not going to be doing the same thing everyday for the rest of your life. You will try new things and you will get uncomfortable but it’s a good thing, push through it.
19. Value your education
Having an education is one of the most valuable things you can have – do not take it for granted.
20. Take a lot of pictures
You will want to remember these times of your life. Take pictures and pay the 40 cents to develop them. It is worth it in the long run.
21. Don’t be afraid to try something new
If not now, when?