Sometimes the best type of advice we can receive is the kind that is very plain and simple that we sometimes over look. When I first went off to college, my father drove me up and as I tried to pretend that I wasn’t about to cry as I watch my small town disappear in the rear view mirror, he gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received. Since then I’ve added to his list of do’s and don’ts when entering new chapters in your life:
1. Listen
As basic as this sounds, it’s actually the most important thing I think I’ve ever been told. When it comes to new environments it’s obviously first and foremost that you be yourself, but right after that you should add “listen” to your list. College is a new and exciting place where people from all walks of life come together, in situations like this sometimes it’s best to not be the one with the most to say in the room. Instead, spend some time really trying to get to know who the people around you are and figure out who you want to regularly surround yourself with because the people you associate with are the people you’ll be most influenced by.
2. Choose what you spend your money on wisely…
Being in college means freedom and with this freedom you’ll have to be more responsible. My freshmen year I found myself spending all of my money on food and clothes and it took me a long time to realize that my funds could’ve been directed elsewhere. Sophomore year I got a little better at saving and with the help of my parents I was able to travel on a 10 day hiking trip to Alaska where we hiked two glaciers and a mountain. I never could’ve done that had I still been spending my money on food and clothes. Now I’m saving for a trip to Thailand that I hope to take next spring. For me, choosing to spend the money I was working for on experiences was more important than spending it on clothes I probably wouldn’t wear a year from now anyways.
3. Stop cutting people out of your life for no reason
The older you get the more you realize how important strong friendships are. I personally was blessed enough to find many of these friendships with the people I had known for 13 years and graduated high school with. We decided as a group to go against the norm of ‘never speaking to the people you went to high school with’ and instead we all talk on a regular basis. A big portion of keeping our friendships alive lies within making time for each other when we can (and the group message of course). We understand that we’re all busy and working during the summer and during the school year we’re all spread out across the U.S. but when we are all home, we make time, and that’s what matters. I challenge you to message your ‘old best friend’ and invite them out for coffee to catch up. You might find yourself rekindling an old friendship you wish you hadn’t given up on.
4. Let it go…
I’m the first to admit that I can be (a little) petty sometimes. However, I’ve also learned that life is way too short to hold onto old grudges for too long. Let go of the animosity you have towards that girl who was always mean to you in high school for no reason. Let go of the issues you had with your family growing up. Let go of the anger you hold towards your ex because they cheated on you. You’d be surprised how many doors open up when you let negativity in your life fade away.
5. Don’t get complacent
It’s the oldest advice out there but it’s so absolutely true; get outside of your comfort zone. If you don’t do anything that terrifies you every once in a while you may want to start trying to. Keep yourself on your toes, join a club, take an extra class you’re interested in, apply for a job you really want. The worlds a big place and there’s a lot to be learned so get out there and start experiencing some of it. Like I said before, none of this advice is particularly revolutionary, but it’s what I’ve come to find is the most important so far, I hope you find it helpful as well.
