That being said, I am rather good at being an insufferable know-it-all. Sorry about that. Well... kind of. I'm actually not sorry at all (I'm also really good at being abrasive and honest).
That being said I also have a decent memory and I remember quite well what I was experiencing a year ago. I was getting ready to move out of my parent's house and into a dorm room in Columbia so I could start my journey as a Tiger at the University of Missouri (which was a good decision so HA mom).
So for all of you freaking out because you're about to start college, I would like to tell you something: STOP. I have a few things I would like to tell you that I was not informed of when I was about to start the next chapter of my life.
1. A high school diploma is not a ticket that magically tells you what the rest of your life will look like. That's the beauty of life. Nothing is set in stone. Part of it is terrifying. You have absolutely no idea what will happen to you tomorrow. Or the next day. There are too many variables in life that could change what will/should happen. Here's the good news: YOU are one of those variables and YOU have the power to change things in your life that you aren't happy with.
2. Corollary to above: You don't have to have a huge plan for your life if you don't want to. There's nothing wrong with just going with the flow and letting life take you wherever it is you go. This is not an excuse to avoid responsibility though.
3. There's a solid chance you and of your high school friends aren't going to talk to each other daily. Mostly because you won't go to school with all of them and see them almost everyday anymore. That is okay. Do not go to a school because your friend is going there. I kind of sort of did that a little bit and by some miracle ended up thriving at my school regardless. You need to go to a school that is good for you. If your high school friends mean that much to you then you will stay in touch with each other. I promise.
4. There is no rush to find your future spouse at all. Fate has a weird way of bringing the people you need to you when you need them. That applies to significant others, best friends, etc. DO NOT freak out if you don't find the love of your life on move-in day or any time after that. Make friends and educate yourself. You have years ahead of you.
5. Karma is real. It has ways of rewarding your morality and kick your ass when you forget about morality. This does not mean that karma should mean your motivation behind being a good person. Be a good person because it betters you and the world around you.
6. Don't let freshmen 15 prevention get in the way of you improving your mental and emotional being. Being physically healthy is important, I won't deny it. It doesn't have to interfere with your mental health though. Free time in college can be scarce and you can easily give up the luxuries of reading. Read things that don't have to do with your school work. Don't forget to expand your mind.
7. Adults are smart because they have experience and experience is one hell of a teacher.
8. You're not invincible. I can't stress this enough. Stupid decisions can have permanent repercussions. College is a time to be a little crazy but you have to be smart about it. Don't let the best days of your life ruin the rest of your life.
9. Selfish people suck. Live a life that betters the lives of other people. It's very gratifying.
10. Your parents are smart people but you know you better than anyone else. If I had listened to my parents at one point (and they had my best interests in mind) I would have ended up at a school studying something I wasn't completely in love with. You know what is best for you.
11. Trust your gut. If something seems sketchy that's because it is sketchy.
12. It's so easy to only live in the moment. Despite the fact that you don't have to have a plan mapped out for your life you should think about the future when making decisions.
13. Pride is a supreme bitch. Don't let it knock you down and keep you there. "Modest is hottest." That may not apply here.
14. Never take for granted the friend that goes out of their way to brighten your day or help you. Selfless friends are so hard to come by and often times they won't be walked over. If you forget about them until you need them they will move on and the only person that will be hurt by it is you.
15. The meaning of life is different for everyone. To find it you need to do what gives you meaning.
College is fun. Life after high school is fruitful if you take the necessary steps to nurture it.
Today I found on Tumblr:
