I don’t remember much from my classes I took freshman year of college. I was still a young and naïve teen forced to take general education classes just like every other college student across the nation. And let's face it, most of the time these type of classes are quite boring and honestly just felt like a continuation of high school, which for most isn’t a plus. But one day at the start of my 8:00 a.m. Intro to Sociology class, my professor made us all watch a video on YouTube entitled "Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen” narrated by Baz Luhrmann. That five-minute video really made an impression on me, so much it is one of the few moments I still remember four years later from my first year classes.
I later did some research on the history of the video and discovered it was originally an essay published in the Chicago Tribune in 1997 by columnist Mary Schmich. She wrote it as a hypothetical commencement speech to those graduating in 1997 and it was truly moving and powerful. She’s not someone trying to tell you how you should live your life or listing facts discovered from a recent study. She was just an everyday woman sharing advice she learned from her experiences and years on earth. Almost 20 years since it was originally published, I still believe all the advice given is relevant today, and that every young adult should listen to it at least once. I find myself YouTubing the narrative every few months when I’m feeling glum about the future and needing some encouragement. The video of Baz Luhrmann’s version is below and here I present you the most powerful quotes I believe all young adults should take away from it.
1. Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.
Worrying changes nothing. Many people have come before you and figured out this whole adult thing and so can you.
2. Do one thing every day that scares you.
Life’s biggest regrets are from the chances you don’t take, so be daring and be fearless. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not capable of achieving your biggest aspirations and turn your dreams into realities.
3. Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Know your worth and never settle for less. Treat others kindly and never apologize for it. Although it’s hard, know when to move on from a relationship, but never seek revenge on those who might have hurt you. It’ll only make you feel worse.
4. Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.
Stay focused on your own success and don’t compare yourself to others. No one's life is perfect, even the ones that appear to have it all on social media.
5. Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Remember to focus on the qualities that make you great, not just the ones you see as insecurities.
6. Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives.
Your early 20s is just the start of your life -- don’t beat yourself up if you don’t have your dream job or have found your true passion. Be selfish and do things that make you happy. Try not to get to caught up with just checking off boxes in the ‘five year plan’ you created for yourself.
7. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Stay true to who you are and stay humble. Know that you are important and capable of whatever you put your mind too. But also learn to let go if things get too hard, and know if it is meant to be, it’ll work out in the end.
8. Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Be confident in yourself and don’t let anyone steal that spark inside of you that makes you smile in the morning. Be kind to your body: exercise and eat well and remember no one is perfect, so don’t spend too much time critiquing yourself and your imperfections. You only get one life and body, so learn to love it as best you can.
9. Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Skip that party on a Friday night and remember to spend time with your parents. Just like you are, they too are getting older and when that day comes that they’re gone you’ll regret not listening to more of their stories and knowing more about your family’s history. Appreciate all your parents have done for you, and don’t forget to thank them -- they too like to hear it. Cherish your siblings and thank them every chance you get that they’re apart of your life. The bond and relationship between siblings cannot be found anywhere else. Be grateful you’ll always have someone to reminisce about those childhood memories.
10. Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Be independent and try your hardest not to depend too much on anyone else. It’s great to have help and someone by your side, but know you’ll get by just fine without them. Be with someone because you want to, not because you have to.
11. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia.
Take all advice you get with open arms. Realize those that give advice do so to prevent you from making the same mistakes they did. But also remember everyone is different, so use it wisely.
12. And most importantly: wear sunscreen.
Because although it’s nice to have that tan look in the summer now, it is more important to take care of yourself for the future. Pale is the new black, remember that.
