Fun fact about me: I have two younger brothers, and both of
them are graduating! One is graduating from middle school, and the other from
high school. As the oldest child, I feel
as if I have been the guinea pig on the spinning wheel of life; I just keep running,
and hope that I am moving forward. The
realization that my brother, Sam, is making the great transition into college
has primarily caused me to freak out, but also reflect on what sisterly advice
I can impart to him. I pray that my
siblings can learn from my experiences as the first born, and make new mistakes
instead of repeating mine. Hopefully, I
can pave the way for them.
So here it is, Samuel Paul.
Here is everything I wish someone had told me before I went to
college. Or, more accurately, things
people did tell me, but I wasn’t listening.
1.Just because you’re in college does not mean you
have to party.
I know the stereotype… the keg parties and wild ragers, living life on
the edge, and the nightly shenanigans that always end in a haze. The media, your peers, and even those you
look up to will not only hold this to be true, but also celebrate it. I hope you know that the values and goals
attained in those four years at college extend far beyond beer pong. Here is where you figure out the person God
is calling you to be, and you decide where you want your life to go. The partying lifestyle is fun and exciting,
but it does not build your character. In fact, I guarantee that the happiness
you find in true friendships, real experiences, and honest achievements will
last much longer. Trust me… there are plenty of people who lead wonderful,
exciting lives, without getting wasted. Look
for yourself in the activities you pursue, not in the bottom of your seventh
beer can. Think not of what “everyone
else is doing,” but of what you are doing. Your best memories are the ones you
actually remember.
2.Find common ground.
In college, you are given a fresh start.
And so is everyone else. All of
you are looking to find brand new friends, and it is easy to loose yourself in
the masses. Do not forget the things
that make you happy; be it soccer, or Jenga club, or ridiculous music. Keep in mind these interests, and join
related clubs on campus, or in the area. Not only will you enjoy doing your
favorite activities, but you will also meet other people who partake in those
same hobbies. It sounds so obvious, but
I have encountered many a lonely person who was afraid to branch out. Even if you don’t find something you enjoy
right away, an open mind and a perseverant heart will lead you to good
people. Eventually, something will just
stick!
3.Work hard, and plan ahead.
True statement: college is harder than high school. Truer statement: At first it will seem easier. I was shocked at how few assignments I had in
my first semester of college. High
school is all about busy work, with a large number of projects, tests, and
homework to boost your grades. This is
no longer the case. In college, the few
test grades and assignments you do have are worth far more points. You must consistently turn in high-quality
work, because you do not get second chances. Teachers are not there to sprinkle
fairy dust and rainbows on all of your work; they tirelessly expect the best
from you. Keep track of your assignments
and allow yourself the proper time to get them done. At the beginning of every
semester, I put all of my future test dates and project deadlines into my
iPhone calendar. This way, I can
anticipate the busiest times and manage my schedule accordingly. The college course load is a lot easier if
you plan ahead.
4. …But also take a chill pill!
I
don’t really have to tell you twice to enjoy yourself in college. But seriously, do not get so bogged down that
you have no time to relax. I have made the mistake of getting too busy, and it
is miserable. Plan your class schedule
with time to spare. I can guarantee
you’ll need it. I cherished the hour I
got to watch Dance Moms every week because it was not only bonding time with my
roommates, but it allowed me to rest for a while. It is perfectly acceptable to take some time
out to do things for yourself. It will
keep you sane.
5. EXPLORE.
You will hear time and time again about how you “discover yourself” in
college. Part of this means trying new
things. Do things that scare you, but
not things that endanger you. Some
degree of fear is healthy, and in expanding your comfort zone you will learn so
much about the world around you. Go to
that program your school is holding about Japanese dance styles. Take that class on silent film. Eat a samosa.
(Find out what a samosa is.) Your school offers all of these different
and unique opportunities in hopes that you will seize them. Education goes much
farther than the number of credit hours you take a semester. The more you know and experience, the more
well-rounded and interesting you become as an individual. Plus, the more information you intake, the
more creative you will be! And we all know creativity is the spice of
life.
6.You are what you eat.
Ramen,
cheap and easy, is a college student’s best friend. Yet do you really
want to be identified as “cheap and easy?” Really though, junk food is horridly
enticing, but you will regret it later when you feel like crap and cannot
focus. The healthier your food choices, the better you’ll feel.
This directly affects how successfully you perform in school. So think
twice the next time you pop those noodles in the microwave. Real chicken is far
superior to chicken seasoning, and your body will thank you. Also, be
grateful of your meal plan while you still have it; there will come a time when
you must fend for yourself in the hungriest of Hunger Games.
7.R-E-S-P-E-C-T- Find out what it means to you.
As
pervasive as the partying scene is in college, so too is the hookup
culture. I cannot stress this enough:
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Sure, everyone likes
to tell you it is all about having fun and none of it matters, but it
does. Feelings are involved in one way
or another. Maybe you hook up with
someone who sees nothing of it, but deep down, you are feeding her
insecurity. Remember that every girl is
worth talking to, and so is discovering the beauty that lies in her
personality, her thoughts, and her sense of humor. Hooking up is easy; it requires little
self-control or respect of boundary. But
to truly know someone for who they are is a beautiful and admirable thing. Anybody
can partake in the hookup culture, but it takes a very strong individual to see
and want something above this. I hope
you are a man that can not only celebrate a woman’s choice to put her heart,
mind, and soul before her body, but also live up to these standards as
well. Do not simply respect another’s
limits, but set high limits for yourself. You will be much rewarded in the long
run, I promise you. Keep in mind that, like with the food example, you get what you are. If you act like a gentleman, you'll end up with the woman of your dreams.
8.Take time for God.
Prayer not only improves your relationship with God, but is also helps
you grow as a person. Write in a journal, go to church, go to other prayer
services, run outside, do whatever makes you feel closer to God. We all experience our spirituality in
different ways, and the sooner you unlock the methods which best suit you, the
better off you’ll be. Think of it this
way: going through life without God, you are only disadvantaged. In closeness with Him, you better understand
your call, and also have a great source of comfort in troubling times. I have often read, “If God leads you to it,
he will lead you through it.” Be patient, and be dedicated. His plan for you will be revealed with time,
but it will be a lot clearer if you are ready to accept it.
9. Do not get a tattoo on your ass.
I
t makes
literally no sense, and I cannot believe I even have to put that in here.
From afar, a butt tattoo will look like some sort of insect or disease.
Not only this, but it will merely serve as a constant reminder to how much an
idiot you were. Don’t be “that guy with the ass tattoo.” You are
much cooler than that. Even a peace sign tattoo on your arm would be more
acceptable.
10. Share
your talents with the world.
God made all people with wonderful and unique talents. We are not the same, nor should we strive to
be the same as everyone else. Take pride
in the things you do well, and look for opportunities to use your talents. The more you share your gifts, the greater
your skills will become. These talents
will lead you to innumerable opportunities, both in the business world and your
personal life. Make a name for yourself,
and live up to that name. People often
look to me to make posters or paintings for them because they know I am
artistic. You can have that same success
if you are confident in your abilities.
Now
go out, and set the world on fire! I believe in you 100%!
Love, your big sister,
Katie :)
