Such a random post today, but who is up for some randomness?!
I graduated high school 13 years ago.
That seriously blows my mind, yet my calendar says it’s true. While in some ways it feels like it was just yesterday, in other ways I can see how much I’ve grown, changed and learned since then (good thing, it was 13 years ago). Since all the graduations ceremonies for the class of 2015 have already taken place, I’m fairly certain that no one is going to be asking me to give a commencement address. I know, I’m as flabbergasted as you are.
I was thinking about high school and college yesterday (love looking through old pictures!) and it made me feel old mature that I actually was able to come up with a few tiny nuggets of wisdom that I would hand down to an 18 year old me, and though I’m fairly certain most of you are past high school as well, I thought it would be fun to share some what I learned/what I’d do differently/what I did right thoughts with each other!
So if I had asked about any pearls of advice to give to today’s 18-year-olds, here is what they’d be…
1. Don’t stress if you don’t know exactly what you want your college major to be. It’s ok to explore a little. However, think twice about going into major debt to study/party at one school over another. Look into scholarships, work through school, see how you can cut college costs. Graduating college without a lot of student loan debt will be very advantageous to you and start you off on more of a leg up than you realize.
2. If you have to worry about your “best friends” talking trash about you behind your back, then those aren’t really best friends. There are women out there that truly support and encourage each other. Be one of those women and find others that hold the same values to befriend. On the same note, the best friends that have had your back since the beginning? Hold onto them! That kind of friendship is special and it will last through college, marriage, kids and beyond, even if you can’t talk on the phone every day.
3. Start valuing your health over your dress size. I know this can be challenging at first whether you are one of those that can eat fast food every day without gaining or pound or if you feel you must count every calorie. Try to start focusing on eating food that nourishes your body. Learn what makes YOU feel good. Find things you enjoy doing to stay active (as you might notice a change in activity level now that your varsity sports practices are over). There will come a day where what you want most isn’t to fit into X size pants, but to feel energetic and strong to travel/kick butt at work/keep up with your kids.
4. Not everyone is going to like you. Sometimes that will hurt. But if you like you at the end of the day, then that’s what really matters. I promise there are no popularity contests that mean anything when you’re 30.
5. Study abroad. I didn’t and it is one experience I feel I really missed out on. If you have the opportunity and can make it work, take it. Traveling can teach you more than a lot of classrooms ever could.
So now I’m curious, what advice would you give to today’s high school graduates?
Or what advice would you give to an 18-year-old you?
I asked David the same question and he said: Use all the resources and connections offered in college to explore and decide what you want to do. Do internships, network, accept opportunities to meet and mingle with people in different industries in hopes that you will have a sense of what kind of job you want to take (and have a better chance of getting it) upon graduating.
Good one, as I feel like I skipped out on a lot of AWESOME opportunities for events and speakers offer at UGA. Oh to be back in college for just a little bit…
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Looking back, there’s so many things I would’ve done differently, especially in college. The biggest thing is taking advantage of all the opportunities that were made available to me. Yes, it’s fun to hang out with your friends, and yes, it’s nice to do nothing after a long day of classes. And while that’s absolutely a part of the experience, there’s a whole other world out there – speakers, seminars, studying abroad (one of my biggest regrets too), clubs, etc. Learn to be an explorer – you won’t regret it!
Brittany Dixon says
Love this! I had access to say many amazing speakers and events and am embarrassed that I didn’t go to more of them.
Michelle says
I second taking advantage of the opportunities that are present while in college. What other time in your life will you have free seminars, speakers, clubs, organizations, rec sports (etc) all at your disposal to try as you wish? It’s one thing that I did do in college and think was an incredible asset to my time as an undergrad.
Sort of along the same line I would say try all different classes. It’s ok to go to college planning to major in one thing (and see it through if you choose) but to try different classes along the way. Perhaps there’s an untapped interest you never knew about, maybe you’ll change your mind on your major and life path and that’s all ok. I don’t think enough people recognize that it’s a lot to expect every 18 year old to make a decision on what they want to do with their life at freshman orientation. It’s ok, to change your mind and try new things so long as you continue to work hard.
A big one that sometimes surprises people when I say it, is to go to college when you are ready. I think too many people jump into an undergraduate degree far too unsure of themselves and in the end they are left with huge amount of debt or they party too much and fail out of school altogether. I wish more people would invest time in considering their options, trying a community college and transferring, or taking time off and then committing to working hard as an undergrad. I, personally, took the first semester of college off after graduating high school top in my class with a near perfect GPA because I was absolutely burned out from four years of intense work and extracurricular activities. I then went to college got a double degree, graduated with high honors and took advantage of many opportunities, clubs and other activities while an undergrad. I managed to graduate in 3 1/2 years and without a doubt I know I would not have had the same experience had I pushed myself to go straight to college after I graduated high school because it is what everyone else was doing.
Brittany Dixon says
I LOVE what you said Michelle, especially your last point. I think tides may be changing that college is the direct next step after high school. I think taking some time to know who you are and what you want is invaluable. I’m sure if I did that I would have been more interested in exploring all college had to offer rather than just going because “that’s what you were supposed to do.”
Beks says
Speaking to myself: “Go to school in your state. Iowa is big, and has three famous schools, and tons of smaller ones. You’re bound to have the same college experience I had, but at a fraction of the out-of-state costs. Plus, you won’t meet that psychopath you lived with for ten months who made life a living hell.”
However, I never would’ve gotten my cats, whom I love, or my best of best friends, so, those are some drawbacks.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh man, I’m glad to hear the psychopath is in the past! And love that you can still see the positives from your personal journey 🙂
Sherri says
I would definitely have to add not to settle down too quick in a relationship your freshman year. I jumped into one quickly and got caught up with only hanging out with a certain group for a while. Then when it ended, and they were all his friends, it was like starting freshman year all over. Really take the time to enjoy your freshman year, find your own friends, and make your own identity. Joining a club or sorority helps. If it wasn’t for joining my sorority, I would have been lost trying to find a new group of friends well into my junior year when we split.
Brittany Dixon says
Ohhh this is a GOOD one! I had a similar experience- jumped in quick with a serious boyfriend and wasted (I guess that’s not very nice to say ;)) a year’s time.
Jessica @ Our Young Adventures says
As someone who works in higher education (eats, breathes, sleeps it), of course I love this. I work at a community college so working with transfer students I feel like I still get to make that impact and tell them thing to not forget and get into when they transfer, and while they are at a smaller school too! My thing is go where it feels right! If it doesn’t deep down feel like you belong there, don’t tough it out, go where you will be happy and successful. Of course, to repeat everyone…take advantage of all of the resources. Shoot, as a student I didn’t take full advantage of what I do for students!!
Brittany Dixon says
Great advice! There truly are so many great schools that it makes great sense to find the one that fits! Sounds like you have a pretty awesome job 🙂
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Great tips! I agree about studying abroad. I didn’t and I really wish I did!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
I just graduated from high school last year, and I can attest that all this advice is very helpful! 🙂 I’m still on the fence about studying abroad, but a lot of people say they either loved it or wished they did it. So all the talk is pushing me to that side of the fence!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh how fun- you have so much awesome life ahead of you!! It’s just one more opinion, but I really say DO IT for traveling abroad. I stayed back while my friends went to work and have regretted it since the day they all flew out. I still am envious when I hear them talk about their wild adventures! Best of luck to you in whatever decisions you make though. Enjoy the journey 🙂
niki @ Life With Niki says
Wow thanks for these awesome tips! I am also very skeptical about what major I want to pursue… such a difficult and stressful decision. I would LOVE to travel abroad and explore a different culture, and I hope I will be able to do that!
Brittany Dixon says
I went into college for education, then switched to journalism. I ended up doing advertising/nutrition and post college went into health coaching then blogging (ha). Basically I’m saying, it’s ok to not know 😉
Laura @FitMamaLove says
This post is very appropriate for me because I graduated from high school 15 years ago today and posted about it on Facebook this morning. Tomorrow marks 15 years that I moved out to California from upstate New York. Crazy how time flies!
Also, I see so much Hailey in this picture!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh man, cali from new york is quite a move- that’s amazing! What took you west?
Laura @FItMamaLove says
My dad got a job out in CA when I was a junior in high school, so for two years he was “bicoastal” waiting for me to graduate before the whole family moved. I got to live with my best friend for the last month of high school while my family moved out to CA and got everything setup. They came back for my graduation and we all flew back to CA together. 🙂
Al says
Oh boy – I have some ideas:
1- I disagree with something someone else said — committing too soon to someone in college (like as a freshman). I understand playing the field and meeting more people and all that’s jazz and in many cases you shouldn’t sign on for anything serious and long term right away. BUT – when you know you have a good catch, DO NOT, let them go just so you can have fun. I have too many friends who are now post- college and can’t find a decent guy. Just “food for thought”. In this situation, matters of the heart, I think you need to try to have balance and smarts as much as you possibly can = Don’t keep the dirt bags around, don’t put all your eggs in one basket unless you know you have a “golden egg” (then by all means, please do!), and be careful.
2. Be a WING GIRL. (Kind Of like a “wing man”). Have a good group of friends you TRUST to go out with. Try to not go out alone. Have a designated driver (aka “voice of reason”) who will not only drive you home safely or get you on the bus safely but who will also GET U HOME and be your better judgement on that 11th drink or step in when the creepy guy hands her a suspicious drink… BE THE TYPE OF GIRLFRIEND YOU WOULD HOPE TO HAVE WATCHING YOUR BACK! Within your group, rotate this job. Maybe it’s usually A or K being this person but maybe P will take the job occasionally and even the lush M might take it too sometimes. Watch each other’s backs.
3- I agree with another comment- go to college when you are ready. Don’t waste your (or your parents) time or money if you aren’t ready or motivated or interested….
4- I agree with Brittany – leave college with the least amount of debt you can. It MATTERS. Whether that means you are lucky enough to have ma and pa foot the bill, or grandparents, or scholarships or in- state tuition. Fluffing off “100k” in college debt like it’s no big deal is a bad idea. It is a HUGE deal. No debt (or minimal) means you are a better marriage candidate, you have less stress, you can buy a house/dog/car sooner. You have a leg up!
5- Be innovative and creative and keep your eyes open for ideas and opportunities. Entrepreneurs and inventors are what we need more of in this country.
6- tell the older people you know to limit their advice to less than I have already given…..
Shari says
I think my number one piece of advice would be that it’s okay to listen to your heart sometimes instead of your head — yes, it’s important to think about your future and to put yourself on the right path, but it’s equally as important to let your dreams/passions grow and do everything in your power to turn them into reality. Sometimes the craziest dreams really can come true, if only we nurture them and work tirelessly to pursue them!
Danica @ It's Progression says
If I were to tell high school graduate self something it would definitely be along the lines of college and work. Knowing what I know now, I realize that I went to college right away because that’s what I was expected to do, not because I knew that it was right for me. And while I did fine in college, I also know that I stuck with the major I did because I felt obligated to. I would definitely tell myself to look into other options and forget about the pressure I feel from family/friends/society (hint hint, Danica – look into the health and/or writing field!)
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks says
I would tell high school grads to relax a bit and have a little faith that you’re allowed to have a few twists and turns! I was so Type A about making sure I had all of the right internships during college – I definitely didn’t need to worry!,
Lauren Brennan says
All good advice! I would also add: the guy who you’re dating now and you’re sure is the love of your life most likely ISN’T, so don’t get so wrapped up/worried/be afraid to try new things for fear of losing him (I.e. Study abroad!!).
Hilary says
I love your advice about friends! That couldn’t be more true! I think the one advice I would give someone who is graduating high school is don’t think you have to live your life by what you’re supposed to do. You don’t have to follow the same path as everyone else, you don’t have to go to college, graduate and get a full time job, then get married, etc. Not everyone’s life goes this way, just follow your dreams anyway they seem to come at you. Your path is your path, so treat it like that!