In a recent event held in NYC by Glamour Magazine, Michelle Obama gave a powerful speech telling girls “to compete with the boys. Beat the boys”. The first lady then went on to say that “If I had worried about who liked me and who thought I was cute when I was your age, I wouldn’t be married to the President of the United States”.
Now, besides Michelle Obama completely kicking butt in that mic dropping speech, she did make me (and hopefully some of you) realize some pretty important stuff I think we should always keep in mind, especially at college. The First Lady reminded us that we are girls and we kick butt, so in honor of Michelle Obama’s speech, here is a compiled list of “How to Be a Boss in College”
1. Don’t hide that brain!
You’re in college. You go to a beautiful school with beautiful facilities and amazing professors at hand. Don’t waste your beautiful mind. Use it. Get involved. Utilize every single thing your school has to offer.
2. Get your priorities in order!
Hey remember that cute guy on your floor you can’t stop thinking about while you’re studying?! Yeah, he’ll still be there Friday night after you take your test. Go back to studying. It’s all about prioritizing, girl. Don’t prioritize a guy before your education.
3. Don’t waste ice cream and tears over the guy in your math class.
We’ve all been there. We’ve all watched Grey’s Anatomy and obsessed over being someone’s person while eating Ben & Jerry’s and thinking about some guy that doesn’t like us back. And yes, you should always let your feelings out but don’t let the guy who missed out on you define you. One day when you’re strutting down Wall Street in your Jimmy Choo’s, that guy will realize what he missed out on. Focus on that.
4. Don’t feel intimidated!
Easier said than done, I know. Sometimes you’ll think that there are so many guys with such strong opinions in classes that it might be a better idea to stay in the background and let the guys run it, right? No. Raise your hand, be opinionated, and never be afraid to say something. It will make you stand out and what girl doesn’t like being noticed?
5. Dress for success.
Trust me, there is nothing more I enjoy than baggy sweatpants and my favorite crewneck but as girls, we can’t help but love looking and feeling good, too. Dress like a boss and you’ll feel like a boss. Swipe on that red lipstick, admire that manicure, straighten that shirt, and get ready to kill it in class.
6. Get that playlist going!
Nothing gets me more motivated to do something than a good song, so get your playlist going. Blast some Beyonce, Rihanna, whatever gets you motivated and empowered for the rest of the day.
7. Remember every day is a new day. Be empowered.
If you had a bad day or week, always remember that each day is a fresh start. You have the ability to shape your entire future so why not make it a great one? If you had to make a list of ten powerful female leaders up to date, would you be able to make it as quickly as a list of ten powerful male leaders up to date? No? Change that. Be number one on your own list.
8. Do you.
What does do you mean? Essentially, do what makes you, you. Find your “thing” at college. Whether it’s debate club, service learning, cheer, investment club, whatever it is find your thing. Nothing will make you feel more empowered than doing something you love (and being good at it).
9. Own everything you do.
Super cheesy, but one of the best ways to be a complete boss in college is to own everything that you do. Nothing says “I’m a boss” more than confidence! Remind yourself that you’re you and you can do this. Every morning, look yourself in the mirror, give yourself a compliment, and tell yourself that whatever you’ll do that day, you’ll kick butt doing it.
10. Feel good for you, not someone else.
When you get dressed in the morning or before you decide whether or not to put on makeup, remind yourself that the only person’s approval you need is your own. Don’t dress sexy for someone else, do it for you. Never let any man’s opinion of you shape how you see yourself. Don’t focus on what a guy will want you to wear, wear what you want to wear and remember that this is your life. Smart is sexy and confidence is beautiful. Be that for you.