2017 was an interesting year, to say the least. It saw the induction of a new president, a solar eclipse, and of course, Taylor Swift’s revenge album. But looking back, there are a lot of things I wish I could change about my year, or warn myself about. Hindsight is twenty-twenty for a reason.
But besides preventing myself from eating a very regretful batch of McNuggets or going on that incredibly uncomfortable date, there is no shortage of useful life advice that I would have granted to myself at the beginning of 2017. Early in 2017, I had no idea how great things would turn out in the end and I spent a lot of time fretting over the future. I was that girl who was so unsure.
If I could go back, I know this advice would soothe her worries and help her keep her head on straight (and hopefully yours, too):
You have a support system…use it!
The people around you, your friends, roommates, family, and professors, are there to help. They want to see you succeed and do well. If you’re struggling with something, talk to them! Your problems are not a burden and you’ll feel that heavyweight remove itself from your chest once you do. In the wise words of Leslie Knope, “No one achieves anything alone,” and that includes you.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
You are always going to meet people you may think are more talented at doing what you love, or better in the classroom. But focusing on it and obsessing over it will do nothing but take away from your own happiness and time. Focus on yourself and look at where you are, not where someone else is. You’ll appreciate your life so much more.
Know your limits and don’t be afraid to say no.
Opportunities are knocking. Between summer internships and jobs, time with friends and family, and trying to fit everything in during your last college semesters, there are going to be so many things to do and so many open doors. Whether it’s going out with friends or an opportunity at school, know when you’ve taken on too much, and don’t be afraid to say no to something you don’t want to do, even if you feel pressured.
Everything is going to work out.
The world is definitely not going to end if your printer breaks and you don’t print out the lab manual for today’s class. It’s not going to end even if you don’t get the grade you wanted on that exam. Nothing you do is going to make or break your life, so take a second, step back from the situation, and breathe. Everything is going to work out.
Have fun!
Of course, there is a lot you need to do for school, and you’re graduating soon, so you’ll be thinking about your loans and the uncertain future, but you’re young! You are surrounded by your best friends and living in a place that has truly become your home. Stop stressing about everything and go enjoy the last of your college days!
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