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| #tbt to Jackie freshman year of college lol |
It's been a little over a month since I graduated from college and oh boy- there are many things I've learned from textbooks and classes, but it doesn't amount to the experiences I've gained.
If I could go back in time and give myself advice, these would be the top 5 things I would say to myself. (Do as you will with these take-aways cause they also apply to life even after college.)
1. Don't let your responsibilities consume you / Make time for yourself
- It's inevitable that you're going to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and that your school/work life has taken all your time away from your personal life. When it get's to that point, step to the side- or even better, look ahead. It's challenging to find the balance between school, work, leadership positions, and your personal life. It's overwhelming. Your responsibilities will seem like chores and you won't want to do anything but be in bed or visit your family. With that said, A. Make sure that everything you're involved in is something that you know you want to commit your time and energy into. Go in with the mindset knowing that it may get challenging, but remember why you committed to that responsibility. B. Make time for yourself. Making time for yourself is one, if not- the most important aspect of having balance in your life. If you can, schedule 'me time' at least once a day or every other day, to do something small that makes you happy (whether that means calling your friend, making your favorite meal, watching your favorite movie, or just going to the gym).
2. Ask for help
- You can't do everything on your own, and even if you feel like you can, asking for help will lift off so much weight from you. Whether it's asking for help on studying or just for someone to drive you to the grocery store, do things with others.
- It's hard making new friends. You may be the type of person who likes to invest a lot of energy into friendships, but in college, you'll find it difficult trying to connect with people the same way as you did back home.You'll try to meet people in your dorm, in clubs, and surprisingly, you'll even join a frat's 'little sis program'. Although you meet new people, you'll feel discontent because you're barely scraping the surface level. You'll be jealous that you don't have a group of people to be with all the time or a 'girl group' that you could go out with. However, don't fret, you'll realize that even though you may not have had a lot of close friends, the handful of genuine friendships/relationships you've built, are the ones that will really keep you grounded. It's not about the quantity, but the quality you invest in those people. Yeah, it's cool knowing a lot of people in college, especially for networking, but it's also nice having those go-to people that you really connect with and will have your back when you need them.
- Whether it is romantic relationships, family, or friendships- long distance is hard- but at the same time, it is possible. Just know that from this point on, it will take more effort into making it work. You'll be busy with everything and even more distracted but communication and quality time is key. FaceTime, text, phone calls, letters, group messages, occasional trips, etc. are all key. You'll go through it all, a long distance relationship, missing important family events, and just wanting to make memories with your best friends. It'll be hard to accept that yes- people are bound to change and grow apart- but you will also learn to appreciate these relationships more and it'll be an opportunity for growth.
- You will regret not stepping out of your comfort zone if you don't do it sooner. Trust me, your greatest growth will come from putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. Never stop exploring- places, people, food, experiences, etc. College is the time to try new things and figure out what you're passionate about or what you don't give a fuck about. Surround yourself with people who you may not usually gravitate towards, go to an event that sounds completely bizarre, be okay with awkward situations, STUDY ABROAD, and just say yes to open opportunities (responsibly and with your consent).
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other advice:
- you are drunk Jackie, go home
- he's a fuckboy, walk away
- breathe
- you're beautiful, stop comparing yourself to others
- coffee will help you stay up
- don't take that dinosaurs class, it's hard af
- be you and do you boo boo, unapologetically
- there will be a lot of stairs, wear comfy shoes
- don't waste your time on tinder
- not everyone will like you. fuck the haters, they're your motivators
- don't drink coffee and eat hot cheetoes at the same time
