What I WISH I knew “BACK IN THE DAY” before I went to college
As kids get ready to head off to college, I had to stop and have a moment of reflection about what I wish I KNEW “BACK IN THE DAY” before I went to college. Here I am, 22 years removed from my freshman year of college and here’s a few things I would tell my PAST SELF (i.e that 18 year old GEEKY kid that was me, lol) in order to prepare for the future:
1) You don’t need a credit card until AFTER college. How are you going to pay for it ANYWAY? Hello, Financial Aid is not going to last forever!
2) Don’t be too proud to ask for help. It’s amazing the number of times your kids will get into things and THINK that they have to get out of it ALL by themselves. Don’t be shamed to call yo momma!!!
3) There’s nothing wrong with taking risks but remember your home training. It’s amazing the amount of time your kids will forget ALL those lessons they learned for a brief moment of insanity.
4) Be prepared to survive with less and put up with more. Recognize, the joy and pleasure of a meal card. You will be fine having to share a bathroom with 3 other people. And don’t pass out if your roommates are ‘neat freaks’ and you are ’sloppy’.
5) There is no such thing as INSTANT FRIENDSHIP. You are going to find out that the person you meet on your first day may not be the life long friend you have tomorrow. It’s ok. Don’t worry about it.
6) GET THE HELL out of your dorm room! I hate to be stank but there’s a reason why there are parties, step shows, sporting events and clubs on a college campus. There’s more to life than the 4 corners of your dorm room.
7) Say it with me: DEGREE! That’s the end result. Hopefully, you’re going to school to get a Degree. It’s all about the ‘BACHELOR’. Appreciate it and don’t lose sight of it the first time you see your grades after that semester of partying every night.
Find a MENTOR. When you’re in college, you’re going to have all kind of opportunities to have people who want to share wisdom. Don’t get stank. That person who is trying to help you today may be the JOB referral tomorrow.
9) It’s ok if that person is not the person meant to be with you. You are going to be involved in some awesome relationships but don’t get it twisted, you’re going to run across a few knuckleheads. Don’t take it personal. You have to
10) ENJOY every day of your college experience. College is the ultimate experience. You literally evolve from a teenager until a young adult. Enjoy every moment of the evolution.
It’s amazing what I would have said to myself back then. Don’t miss the opportunity to share those words now.
