If you could go back in time to talk to yourself what would you say? This is a difficult question to answer. For myself, I spend too much time worrying rather than living in the moment. My younger self did this way too much throughout high school. If you find yourself in the same position, keep reading to hear advice about what I would tell myself if I could go back in time, because it might help you too.
- Don’t stress about grades
-
You are not defined by your GPA. I was always worried about the next school year and how it would be more difficult, so I worked extremely hard. By no means am I suggesting slacking off in school, but grades aren’t everything. School is about friendships and experiences too.
- Go out with your friends!
-
Do it! There are only so many opportunities you have to spend time with your friends. Especially knowing that in a few years you all may be living in different states and attending various colleges, it’s important to make the most of the little moments. The four years fly by faster than you think.
- Be involved in extracurriculars
-
Playing sports and joining clubs is a great way to make friends and to spend your free time. Being part of a team or group gives people a sense of belonging. As a high schooler I was super involved but now that I’m in college not so much. Join a bunch in high school to find what you like because groups are costly and more of a time commitment in college. AKA… enjoy the opportunities while you can!
- Focus on your degree, not your major
-
All of high school we were instructed to “pick a major” but not told what we can do with it. The reality is that your degree will not always line up with your profession. I can’t even name how many people have expressed to me that your degree doesn’t have to be the exact career path you follow. View your degree as an opportunity, not a limitation.
- Don’t compare yourself
-
The title says it all… but seriously! I remember being so critical of myself in high school and maybe it’s the maturity that comes with being in college, but I can’t believe I spent time doing that. In college, it doesn’t matter what you look like or how you dress. I see some classmates wearing pajamas to class, strolling in half asleep, and then I see others who could be fashion models on a runway. Wear what you want. Look how you want. Be who you want to be. What truly matters is who you are on the inside. You are incredible just the way you are.
Reading over these ideas I realize they can be reminders for everyone, not just high school students. College is a great place to start figuring out who you want to be and what you want to do with your life. There is no right or wrong path to follow as long as you do what makes you happy. So, stop worrying! Focus on you. Always remember to live in the moment because just as high school flies by college does too!