Unfortunately, as we all know, it's absolutely impossible to predict the future. We all are terrifyingly aware of what we want and dream, but whether or not our dreams and vast ideas become reality is completely up to us. Some say that fate plays a predominant role in what happens in our lives, however, others argue that unfolding events occur solely through one's free will, but, for the sake of time, let's dodge that philosophical discussion while we still have a chance.
At the beginning of my senior year in high school, I had no idea what my plans were the year to follow. The fall of 2013, for me and the rest of my fellow graduating class, as well as many high school seniors around the country, was consumed by college applications, multiple university information sessions, campus tours, interviews, and schoolwork. To say the least, the first-semester of senior year is not the best or most fun time in our young lives. While I vividly remember this time period from August to November, and especially those days surrounding the dreaded November 1st deadline, being filled with chronic stress and anxiety, I am here to assist and give some 18-year-old high school seniors (if you're even reading this...), and 18-year-old college freshmen, 18 pieces of advice I wish I received at 18: words that, I believe, could potentially make your hectic days easier to cope with and to remind you that most of your peers are all floating, and not sinking, in the same boat - you are not and are never alone.
1. In the grand scheme of things, high school doesn't matter as much as you think.
I really enjoyed high school at the time, but there are many moments I can think of, looking back, in which I found myself feeling let down, upset, and stressed, and they honestly didn't impact my future in any way.
2. A stressful day can always be cured with a mental shower such as running, a walk, reading a book, listening to a podcast or Ted talk.
3. College goes by faster than high school, as hard as that is to believe, so you need to cherish every minute.
4. Make sure to take advantage of all educational opportunities.
Many universities offer intriguing lectures and unique classes you can't find anywhere else. Last year I was able to hear Spike Lee, John Boehner, Greg Lukianoff, and JoJo, among others, speak at Vanderbilt.
5. There is always someone out there in the world having a worse day than you.
This is important. Through disease, civil war, violence, and other crises, people all over the world are struggling for even just one more day of life.
6. Always have perspective.
We need to be able to see and think through situations using eyes and minds other than our own.
7. Read as much as you can. Novels, articles, short stories, anything.
Through reading even just one short article a day, you will most likely learn something you didn't know before. I make it a goal to learn at least one new fact a day and by reading, I far often exceed this goal.
8. It is okay to not know what you want to do, and it's never too late to change your mind.
I recently decided to change my minor to a topic I'm more interested in, and I only have three semesters left of college. I also still don't specifically know what I want to do after graduating, however, I am certain I want to help others, see the world, and be passionate about whatever it is I do. While College has helped me discover many new interests, I am not even close to figuring out my life plan and goals.
9. Small steps often lead to big positive change.
Remember to be patient. This is one thing I always find myself continuously working at.
10. Don't be ungrateful for what you have.
Complaining about not having items you want, trips you can't take, or situations you don't experience won't get you those items, to those destinations, or bring about those situations.
11. There is something good in every single day.
In even my darkest of days, I've found and appreciated moments where I find myself laughing, smiling, or both, even just for a short time. Jot down these moments so you can look back at them later. Stay hopeful even when it's difficult.
12. Own the decisions that you make, and be confident in yourself.
No one questions a declarative, confident decision-maker.
13. Don't forget to communicate with those you care about.
Remember to tell the people you love that you love and care about them. It's very easy to get caught up in the everyday routines of our busy lives, but don't let it consume you. Relationships with others are what really matter most. Don't forget to call your parents, siblings, and friends, even though they're all as busy as you are.
14. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
This is one of my weaknesses. People are more willing to help than you think.
15. Failure is okay.
We should never be afraid to fail. If we never failed, we wouldn't learn from our mistakes, and we would never develop or become better versions of ourselves.
16. Embrace your surroundings.
As I mentioned previously, we all get caught up in the busy activities consuming our lives. Don't forget to appreciate the beauty of nature, and escape the bubble, whether that be in your hometown or college town, that often secludes you. Going to school in Nashville, an up and coming, amazing city, I've gotten to do and see a lot of cool things; however, I have not taken full advantage of going to school here. Next semester at school I am making it a priority to explore more of what Nashville has to offer.
17. Do not be close-minded.
Have an open mind. Try new things, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. This is important for your growth and development.
18. Life is unexpected, and we can't control what happens to us.
Events occur in our lives that we never see coming. What we can control is how we handle the situations that arise. Hard situations help make you stronger.
Evidently, I am only a 20-year-old who has a lot more life to live and many lessons to still learn. Although I have a young perspective, I do know, from my experiences, that the multiple pieces of advice I have brainstormed and included in the previous list are important to keep in mind on a day-to-day basis when acting in a wide range of situations.
I also know that the way I currently see the world is much different than the point of view I possessed even only two years ago. While I initially wrote this article intending to help and calm the minds of confused and overwhelmed 18-year-olds entering, or who are about to enter, a strange transition phase in their lives, I do think these tidbits are beneficial to anyone who has taken the time to read them, no matter what age. I think we can all always use a reminder to appreciate life and the greatness it entails, even during the toughest of times.
