My sister is officially a high school graduate, and I couldn't be more proud. She has accomplished so much, and I know she'll be just as successful in her next chapter at Western Michigan University, where she'll be shattering glass ceilings on a daily basis in her journey to become a bad-ass world-traveling pilot. She's leaving the nest for good (sorry, Mom), but I've got some life lessons to help guide her through these next few years --
1. Say "Yes" to Everything
Maybe not everything, but a lot! College gives you so many opportunities, so make sure you take advantage of all of them! Go to the games, make late-night runs to the late-night diners and donut shops with your friends, and take ballroom dancing or something weird just for the hell of it.
2. Join Clubs
All colleges have an insane number of student organizations on campus -- join them! No matter your interests, there will always be something you can relate to. Joining a few clubs is a great way to make friends with people interested in the same things as you, and also a way to continue pursuing the passions that might not be fulfilled by your major.
3. Go Out
Don't be afraid to have some fun. College is the one time in your life where it's socially acceptable to party three nights per week. Doing well in your classes is important, but that's what Sunday afternoons are for.
4. Go to Office Hours
This is definitely one I need to take more advantage of. Even if you don't need extra help with schoolwork, professors appreciate when students take initiative to get to know them and put in the effort to do well. Plus, when you go to a big school, visiting during office hours is a good way to build a more personal relationship with your professors, which comes in handy when you need help with coursework, letters of recommendation, or just want class to be more enjoyable.
5. Keep Snacks on Hand at All Times
Movie nights are nothing without snacks. If you're the hangout room, your snack bin better act like it. Plus, I'm sure your dining hall will be way better than mine, but having a backup supply of goldfish and granola bars to supplement your diet on questionable sushi night is never a bad idea.
6. Put Your Health and Happiness First
Don't forget to take care of yourself. Even if it means missing some studying, set aside some time every day to do something that makes you happy. As far as health goes, do as I say, and not as I do. Go to the gym or something, I don't know.
7. Be Comfortable With Saying "No"
Although you should take advantage of as much as you can, it's also OK to put yourself first, even if it means letting other people down. You've always been pretty strong and defiant, so you won't have as much trouble with this as I did. I found myself doing too many things to make other people rather than myself happy, and that's still something I need to work on.
8. Push Yourself
You're capable of so many great things! Try out being extra independent -- explore your awesome new city (or fly to a new one -- that'd be cool), try something new that scares you at first or even just appreciate it when you get your work done without mom nagging you. This is the time to really get to know yourself and try your hand at being a real person.
9. Be Confident in Who You Are
You are awesome. You are driven, kind (to everyone but me) and strong. I believe in you sometimes more than I believe in myself. You'll meet a lot of different people in college and no doubt experience things that will change you, but don't ever lose the best parts of yourself.
10. Have FUN!
As Mom always said, you go to college because it's fun. Don't let these years pass you by; soak up every second. In the wise words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in awhile, you could miss it."
I'm so proud of you, Brooke! You're going to love college!
