I feel for you, lost puppy, I really do, because I was you. So here are some DO NOTs that I unfortunately DID.

1. Please do not be like me and blame everyone else for your feeling out of place at your current college.

It’s easy to think that I am happier now, after transferring, because of my change in schools, but I have come to realize that I am happy because of the change that I made in myself. I led myself to believe that there was nothing wrong with me and that my school and the people who attended it were the problem. Never did I take a look in the mirror and say, “Stop throwing a pity party and make this school your b*tch.” I did quite the opposite, which brings me to my next point.

2. Please do not transfer in order to run away from your own problems.

Yes, I’ll admit, I ran straight for the hills because I wasn’t living the college life that I had always dreamed of. But what made me believe that a completely new college would solve all of my problems? My dang dreams, probably. So I get to this new college and BAM, I have no friends, no one to eat lunch with, and no clue what I am doing in the middle of Los Angeles. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the point I’m trying to get at... I made the most of it. I sucked it up and stepped into that room of 100+ sorority girls with a big smile on my face and introduced myself. I said “yes” to every lunch date, every group study session, every dessert run, and every girls’ night. I even moved into a house with people I barely knew. I grew up and stopped running.

3. Please do not keep letting yourself believe that the grass is greener on the other side.

Just buy some bright green synthetic turf and you’ll never have to worry about your grass looking mediocre next to everyone else’s. Wherever you are, be bold and do the things that you’ve always wanted to. I constantly moped around at my old school thinking that everyone was having the time of their lives at different schools. Without a doubt, I have always been the type to hide in my room and avoid ever stepping out of my comfort zone. But being dropped off at a school where I could not feel a single ounce of comfort, I turned my frown upside down. Today, I am that person that always makes sure my grass is shining bright, not to rub it in your face, but to prove to myself that I am strong and independent.

4. Please do not be a party pooper.

And I’m not even talking strictly about parties. I love where I am now because I put in the effort. I introduced myself to every living thing, I raised my hand high in every class, I kept my head up at all times, and I smiled at each person that walked my way. Literally, I was that person who roamed the library at night looking to socialize. Life is way too precious to waste it by feeling sorry for yourself. If you don’t get invited to the super hip frat party, make sure you get invited to the next by making yourself known. I had to transfer schools to realize that I had so much more potential. You, on the other hand, can sit tight and let your synthetic turf shine right where you are. Whether you decide to transfer or not, I challenge you to make the most of it and step out of your comfort zone. I believe in you, pup.