I don’t want to come off as jaded and bitter, because that’s not my focus. It’s really hard to look outside through the windows of high school, or college, or any enclosed era of life and see beyond. I’ve learned a few things I’d like to share.

Nothing is handed to you. You have to take the world by the reins yourself, and create opportunities. Learn about things, try out things, build your resume until it’s six pages long. It’s vague, yet take action on it. Ask your mom how to make her famous mac and cheese, or your co-worker how they got into horseback riding competition, or your best friend her professional makeup secrets. There is so much “professional” in the world, and you can never learn it all, yet you can make the effort to learn as much as you possibly can. Surround yourself with people who are better than you, because you’re not on top.

You have to take responsibility; it’s your life. If college, military, or your own situation wasn’t right for you, find another plan, or edit your existing one. Dreams, goals, and life evolves faster than we have time to plan it all out. Dig deep and pay attention to what you’re reaching to do, and follow that. Passion is a big part of life and without your own personal drive and velocity, you won’t have anything to reach for.

Your plan can be what you want it to be. Going into the stage of life where you’re still learning what you want is hard, mostly because you don’t know yourself yet, but you still have to manage your life. Remember that your plan is guiding you through your life, and you’re the one living your life. Just because the past seven generations of the Smith family were dentists, or that every one of your friends found a major to fall in love with, does not mean you have to measure up or follow along with anyone. Take your time and march to the beat of your own drum.

There can be days for you. This one, I’m not used to myself, and the world isn’t very comfortable with this either sometimes. I never say no to a project or an opportunity. Yet, life can be strenuous and exhausting in many ways, so don’t make any plans you don’t have to for Saturday, because the bubble bath and the Netflix marathon are calling your name. No, this is not a suggestion to take every Friday off to binge Friends and The Walking Dead. Once you’re hard at work with your new and improved plan, don’t get so lost in that you can’t make it home before dinnertime every night. Find a healthy balance, and take care of you.

The “real world” can be terrifying, and graduating from high school in a couple months, I can see why. My biggest piece of advice is to not forget yourself, and your life is yours – live it! I wish you the best of luck! -Maddie