It’s nearing the end of the semester. There are papers, tests, and emotions being thrown at me left and right, but all I really want to do is sleep it off for a couple of days. However, since I can’t avoid life altogether, I figured I’d reach out to some of my friends and ask for advice. Not only do I love giving advice, but I also love receiving it. As it turns out, my friends gave me great advice on a variety of subjects like growing up, love, and compassion. I wanted to share their thought-provoking words with you.
1. Anna Spier, CAS 2018
“This is kind of dumb, but in high school, someone jokingly compared me to a potato. I told my friend about it and she told me to ‘embrace your starch.’ Now if I feel gross about how I look, I think about that, feel better, and just roll with it.”
2. Santiago Marquez, CAS 2018
“If you want to know something, ask. If you feel or think something, express it (with respect). It’s so much easier to be straightforward with others, in class, in your relationships, and with yourself. We waste way too much energy tiptoeing around some things. It’s okay to be sad and have moments. Be gentle with yourself but learn from what you feel and from your failures. Learn to say no. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders and please everybody. Learn to say no and give yourself time to breathe.”
3. Zoe Hawryluk, COM 2019
“My 10th grade AP World History teacher once told me that ‘in order to figure out who you are, you first have to figure out who you aren’t.’ And I feel like I can apply that to a ton of areas of my life. My career? In order to figure out what I want to do with my life, I have to figure out what I don’t want to do. It’s helped me with my identity and a lot of really hard times in my life. The best advice I’ve given is if you want to pull something off, all you have to do is put it on and leave the house. You’re never too old or too *insert negative comment about your body* to wear anything. People will respect you so much if you do what makes you happy and if they don’t, they’re not worth your time”
4. Antonia DeBianchi, COM 2020
“Since I have been overcome with stress this semester, I’ve tried to train myself to ‘center’ more often. Before you start to stress over work, career aspirations, or friendships, tell yourself that above all of those titles — at your core — you are a human being. Focus on your emotions and happiness and let everything else fall into place afterward.”
5. Francesca Kishkill, SAR 2020
“Something I’ve been told that I find to hold true is that some friends will not last forever. It’s okay to realize that you’ve grown apart from friends; people change, and it’s okay to accept this. You don’t necessarily have to break all ties with them — you can remain friendly, but maybe not as close as you once were. That being said, it’s also okay to part ways with a “friend” who is bringing a lot of negativity into your life. You’ll continue to make new friends and figure out the people that you want in your life forever.”
6. Sarah Blake, Regis College 2020
“Last year when I was going through a rough patch, I was super lonely. I wanted someone to be around and be there for me, not just as a friend. I called my friend one night crying, and she told me that someone was coming for me to be there for me, and they were getting there as fast as they could. I would have to be patient, but that person needed and wanted to get to me, and they were coming as fast as they could. And she was right.”
7. Olivia Jackson, Cal Poly Slo 2020
“Don’t be afraid to be yourself, love yourself and express yourself however you damn please because at the end of the day, you’re really all you got. So, why not be proud and happy with yourself. Some people think superficial or material items will make them ‘happy’ or pleased with their lives. But what happens if that’s all stripped away? You’re left with ‘nothing,’ but I think that’s everything. People should look inward to heal and fulfill themselves first and foremost. Listen to the things excite you, that you’re drawn to. I don’t think they are random and people should, as cliche as it might sound, follow their heart. And have the courage to do so, don’t let societal standards stop you from going where your heart feels pulled. Ultimately, I think mindfulness is key, learning to listen to your mind and body.”
8. Kabita Das, CFA 2020
“One of the best pieces of advice that I’ve heard was to make your own path, or else you’ll follow someone else’s. If you know where you need to be going, don’t let anyone prevent you from getting there. People will doubt your choices and question your direction, but in those times you have to trust that you know what is best for you and the life that you want!”
After listening to all these wonderful pieces of advice, my heart is so full with love and admiration for these beautiful human beings and their resoundingly impactful words. If you’re going through something right now, know that you are not alone in your journey. Trust in your friends and your family to support you, but most importantly trust in yourself and know that you are a force to be reckoned with. I hope these quotes stay without you throughout your week and possibly the rest of your life.
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