Remember a few weeks ago when I wrote a letter to myself on the first day of school? I read so many touching and inspiring comments that I wanted to expand on it. I know most of my readers are either my age or older and I want to soak up as much knowledge as I can. I’ve decided that every Monday I am going to start asking questions that are on my mind about growing up, college, etc.
If you had to tell me one (or two) things you wished you knew when were you 21, what would be? I’m serious, I want to know thee things so I can learn and start doing them in my own life.
I have this obsession with making sure I appreciate where I am and what age I am. I am so paranoid that I will wake up in 9 years and be 30 and wasted my 20’s and was a nasty person ,etc.
LORENA PIZZO
ti seguo e spero ricambierai…
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Taylor Morgan
That is a good perspective. One of my favorite songs is The Climb by Miley Cyrus because it is all about the Journey. Enjoy what you are doing currently, even if you are struggling to "make it" in this world and it can be very frustrating… but I hear those are always the best years when you look back at it in retrospect…
xoxo,
Taylor
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Laura
I'm not 21 yet, (in April!) but I think something for me as I start this semester is that I feel like I'm growing up more and my work pattern has followed that. I'm either in class, studying, in the office, eating, or sleeping. I need to remind myself to just take some time out for some fun and hanging out with friends. Just to take two hours and watch that stupid movie or take silly pictures.
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
Life's a shoe
this is an awesome idea, I wish I knew what career path to take while I was 21! but also now a few years later i realized it's never to late to start something that is in line with your passions
Jeans and a Teacup
When I was 21 and in college I had a major but really no idea what I wanted to do with it once I graduated. I would just say think about what kind of job you want and get as much "real world" experience as you can. Either working part time or participating in things related to your field. Network and make as many connections as you can before you graduate because a lot of times you get a job based on who you know as opposed to your skills.
But it looks like you are on the right track with your internship!
~Jessica
http://jeansandateacup.blogspot.com/
Marie-Eve
I'm 31 and I'm glad to tell you that even if 21 was an amazing year, I wouln't go back ! But I would tell myself that it's the time to take risks and make your dreams happens. It's not when you have kids and responsability that it's time to take risks !
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s
i remember that post, and i'm def going to do it soon so that when im _______ (ten years later) i can reflect on what i love and what i'd like to accomplish. xO!
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Anna
I'm 22 and here are the two things I wish I'd realized a year ago:
1. Do everything with honesty and earnestness. Really – don't embellish on who you are, don't try to sell yourself, and most importantly stay true to your principles. It's may be harder to get ahead at first (think getting your first job, impressing a professor, or even making friends) but people and institutions who choose you for exactly who you are will make you happiest. Just be patient, accept the hard times as learning periods, and thrive on your own merit.
2. Don't be afraid to ask – worst case scenario you'll get a "no".
Lisa - respect the shoes
Granted I am not saying this as an excuse to not try when it comes to schoolwork, but those exams and papers that I remember pulling my hair out over … after college, who really cared if I got an A, B or whatever.
I agree with Jeans and a Teacup though, work experience is a lot more important in the long run than, say, minoring in "medieval art history." ;o)
V
This is a great way to start every week. It brings great perspective to one's current situation. Well, it make me think =). I would have to say enjoy your time in college, don't speed your way through it. If you believe in something just do it, it's hard and you might be on your own but you have to try.
-V
http://stylishlyme.com
Delusions of Grandeur
Alissa – what a great idea! I admire your self awareness and dedication to being the best person you possibly can. I was fortunate to have family that both kept me grounded and supported my dreams so I don't have many regrets, but if I had to give general advice to people your age (I'm 33!), I'd say 1) you have so much time – don't feel pressure to make major life decisions that you're not ready for because you see others around you making them. 2) What do you daydream about when doing mundane tasks/schoolwork/work? Pursue those things. 3) Travel! It's hard to have a complete understanding of ourselves until we experience cultures and places that are different than us. 4) When it comes to work, pick one thing you love to do and do it better than anyone else. 5) Passionately pursue hobbies. Be that person you'd like to sit next to at a dinner party or on a plane. 6) "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle". Have a great week, lady!
Jessica
I agree with those who said to get as much real-world experience as possible before you start job hunting. It'll make things much easier!
But the biggest piece of advice I'd share is not to be hard on yourself or critical or compare yourself to others. You'll change so much in the next couple of years that you'll be surprised by any insecurity you used to have.
(If you're interested, I'm giving away a $100 gift card to Shopbop. Enter here!)
TheTinyHeart
I love this idea, Alissa! I'm quite older than you at 29 (ack!). I'd tell my 21 year old self to savor every single moment of college and live it up! Once you graduate and enter the real world, things are quite different because you'll have so many more responsibilities. Most 21 year olds don't have their entire life figured out just yet but know that it's okay.
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
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Alissa, I've got five years on you so I guess I have some advice. I think this is a wonderful idea for a post, btw! It's always good to change perspective and be grateful for what you have and where you are in life.
I'd tell my 21 year old self three very important things:
1. Cherish your friendships. Spend as much time as possible with your friends while in college. When you graduate, everyone will grow up and move on and you will miss these people so dearly. Appreciate them, love them, and cultivate memories that you will be able to carry forever.
2. Don't worry so much about the future. Your life will go wherever the wind takes you. Be motivated and do well in school, but don't have a super detailed master plan. You will find a way to be successful and happy. There's no point in stressing over it now. Life's a journey.
3. Find yourself a real man. Don't waste your time, energy, and tears on boys. There are real, wonderful men out there in the world and one day you'll find one that can give you everything you really deserve. I promise. (Alissa, not sure if you have a boyfriend or not but this is advice I would've told myself for sure!) 🙂