What peice of advice would you give your younger self?

What would you tell yourself on the day you started college..

Published on April 27, 2005 By Zoomba In Philosophy

All the time we wish we could go back and do something over, say something different or act differently given what you know now that you didn't know then. Most people feel they would do MUCH better in life if they could just take the knowledge and experience they have now and give to themselves at some earlier point in their lives.

Typically it's when they started College, that seems to be the magical cut-off or age they wish they could impart knowledge and wisdom to.

So, if you went to College, what pearl of wisdom would you give your younger self as you stepped into your first class or moved into your dorm room?
If you didn't go to College, what wisdom and knowledge would you pass on to yourself when you started your first full-time job?

Me? If I could go back 5 years now, I would tell myself to study less, work fewer hours, take fewer summer classes and try enjoying College some. I worked through the entire thing and got out in 3 and a half years. I didn't enjoy the experience, I treated it as a job. I missed out on some great opportunities (like studying abroad) because of that.

Comments

Danny Bassette

on Apr 27, 2005

Hey me, two things you've got to remember. First, computers are bad and computer games are even worse. Only use the box for (home)work. Second, work hard and you'll run into this girl at the school office. Play nice and you'll be good for each other.

Cordelia

on Apr 27, 2005

So much adviceto impart to my former self, so little chance of following through.

There are a few moments in high school where I definitely wish I had done or not done things, but you are right - most of my advice to self comes when I entered college.

Most importantly: stop spending more money than you have, and save some of it. I CANNOT stress the importance of this enough.

Secondly, take any chance necessary toward achieving your goals. Any chance. Need to live out of your car for a while? Go to. Need to work 2 full time jobs and get less than 3 hours of sleep a night for a while? Go to. Need to commute 2 hours each way to get to that internship where you make no money? Go to.

If only we could impart advice to our young selves. Perhaps some younger people passing by your blog will stop and take note.

ParaTed2k

on Apr 27, 2005

I would go back three years and tell myself, NO, Passing out in a patient's home is not a good career move right now!!! ;~D

Cordelia

on Apr 27, 2005

Passing out in a patient's home is not a good career move right now!!

Sounds like it was a little beyond your control!

Floozie

on Apr 27, 2005

Hey little Suz, with your fresh faced glow and naively high hopes! Here's some advice for you...

Remember that no one is thinking about you - either good or bad - as much as you think they are. Revel in the freedom this affords you and only worry about thinking good thoughts about yourself.

Good question Zoomba!

Reiki-House

on Apr 27, 2005

To never start smoking, to never be a sucker to the system, to realize people are only equal until they leave their mother's womb, to stick with sports in high school and to keep somewhat fit, to not rotate the smoke detector in the boy's washroom so it falls from the ceiling dangling from electrical wires in turn setting off the fire alarm which in turn evacuated the school in a somewhat panic because no teachers were told about a drill so they thought it was a real fire which all led to my one day suspension, to do whatever it would take to make my then-girlfriend to not ditch me over my bad habits, to never have more faith in friendship than family, that in my personal pursuit of happiness it's ok if it means steamrolling other people around me,

Moderateman

on Apr 27, 2005

No matter how tought things get "DO NOT DESPAIR"

Gideon MacLeish

on Apr 27, 2005

My chief regret revolves around my PSAT/NMSQT tests. Having been put down most of my life, I didn't take myself at all seriously when I took them. I didn't prepare, and hurried through them to get out of there quicker than anyone else.

I scored in the 94th percentile, one percentage point below the qualifications for a national merit scholarship finalist.

If I were to address my younger self, I'd tell me I was worth a lot more than my parents told me I was, and that I should try my damndest to prove it!

Trudygolightly

on Apr 30, 2005

Zoomba:
Being old enuf to be your grandparent

there's probably a boatload full of advice I'd hand down to myself ! How much time you got??

The first and most important thing I'd try to impress on me is: " I know how much you love dancing, skating, riding horses, tennis, and swimming, so please re-consider before you light up that cigarette, in almost 25 years you'll have 2 heart attacks, and be too short of breath to enjoy these wonderful activities, your ivory complexion will look muddy, your teeth will stain, and oh my goodness you'll reek".
I'd also tell myself to be brave and go through with breaking up with my fiance, that I'd only be marrying him out of pity, and eventually would regret not ending the relationship and marrying him would only hurt both of us.
Trudygolightly

alison watkins

on Apr 30, 2005

Alison from 10 years ago, here's some advice, take it for what it's worth:

Those idiots will not matter ten years from now.

Focus on your school work, get off that telephone and open up that damned math book....you just might understand it if you cracked the spine. You might be able to go to a school other than the family dynasty that IS the so called fabulous Kent State.

Even though you hate your cross country coach, stick with running because it's hard as hell to get back into the routine.

Quit being so analytical, according to Oprah, "He's just not that into you." Just be patient, good things are about to happen around the corner!

Sometime's it's better to be the bigger person. Tell Dad you're sorry.

Avoid the temptation to smoke.

and...

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Here endeth my sermon to myself

thatoneguyinslc

on Apr 30, 2005

I have a few...

Always trust your gut instinct. It's usually right.

I would tell myself to tell my grandfather how much of an influence he was on my life. And to thank him for it.

Finish college. For gods sakes finish it the first time!

Stress will be your downfall. Learn to relax more.

And lastly...PUT DOWN THE BONG!

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