[Note from the Editors: This article is the first of a new HCK installment called “To My Younger Self” that hopes to provide the HCK reader community with some pieces of advice from the older generations by having each staff member conduct interviews with the people they find to be most inspiring. The series will focus on the words of wisdom of influential individuals that we, as Kenyon students, interact with and draw inspiration from each day, from our parents and older siblings to professors and Kenyon alums. The titles will attempt to capture the main theme of that particular person’s experience with the interviews. We hope that you learn as much from their advice as we have in interviewing them!]
In growing up, we constantly learn new things every day, and over long periods of time, this knowledge accumulates, turning into concise pieces of wisdom that we can pass on to the next generation. I’ve always enjoyed asking older, wiser people in my life if they have any advice for my generation, in particular as we face our college years and what comes after.
Question #1: What is something you wish you had known as a college student?
Interviewees: Mom, Older friend #1, Older friend #2
Mom: “I wish I would have known how important it is to nurture your special talents and pursue what I wanted to pursue. Also, each person has a gift that they are really good at and really like to do. I wish I had known how to fit what I love to do into my major.”
Friend #1: “I would have loved to have someone tell me how important it is to go to class. Go to class! Do not skip! No matter how tired you are, having the self-discipline to forge through and not skip class is huge.”
Friend #2: “I wish I would have known how ‘real’ the ‘real-world’ is once you get out of college. People always said college was a bubble. I wish I had a better perspective of what life looked like outside the bubble. My biggest challenges were truly adjusting out of the crazy college sleep schedule, learning to deal with real finances, and realizing that the jump between college and the ‘adult-world’ is one of the most stressful, exciting, happy, and sad times of your life. It’s an adventure, but there will definitely be a point in your 20s that you will miss the bubble. I am glad I took the time to invest in my college friendships, as they have been a guiding force throughout the rest of my life. All of that to say…Life is an adventure after college, but it’s nothing like college. So take every moment you have in college and cherish it. Keep your friends close, and keep them for a lifetime. They are the best parts of the bubble that you get to keep.”
Question #2: What is one piece of advice you would give your college self if you could?
Interviewees: Mom (again…because mother knows best), grandpa, dad
Mom: “Follow what you’re passionate about. I wish I had followed my passion and found a way to work it into my career rather than deviating from that. Life can be very long if you do not like your career path. If you are good at something and passionate about it, it is much more enjoyable!”
Grandpa: “I would tell myself to study harder and apply myself more to the academics than to the social life. I met your grandmother at the beginning of my college career, fell head and shoulders in love, and that led to a big social life. It was wonderful, but it detracted substantially from my academic life. It’s so important to apply yourself in college. There’s no substitute for great academic achievement, and this is the moment in time for you to achieve that. Everything else will fall into place after that. Am I saying that I made a mistake in my life by devoting my time to your grandmother? No, I don’t think so. At the moment in time I was in I did what I thought was best. But, times were different back then. I went to college when I was 25 because I fought in the army during World War 2. At the time we’re in now, I would say that the most important thing to do is focus on academics, develop the skills you need, and prepare yourself for a life in the job market.”
Dad: “I think the simple answer would probably to enjoy life more. I didn’t explore new places or do anything different than what I had done in the past, and I wish I had done that and had more fun.”
So, what can we take away from all this? If you can pursue your passions (by picking classes that you enjoy and then actually going to them), create lasting relationships with your friends, and find a balance between work and play, you will set yourself up for a life of happiness and fulfillment. And you may possibly be superwoman.
[Photo Sources: About.com, Tumblr]