What I Wish I Knew In College

It's been eight months since I walked across the stage on a beautiful spring day and received my diploma. First days of work, first paychecks, first rent checks. There've been many firsts since that day. But, nothing quite like that first day of college. I can still vividly remember the smell of my empty dorm room, setting up my desk, and saying, "see you soon" to my proud but tearful parents.

We met many people in those first few weeks. Some who would become our friends, our lovers, our late-night voice on the end of a much too late call. But if my current self had met myself then, in those first few vulnerable and uncertain weeks, I would have given myself the following advice:

It's okay to not know what you're going to do after graduation.

Every classroom leading up to college, we're instructed to find the answer. But, when the answer isn't obvious, we panic.

Be curious.

Ask more questions. One of the biggest hurdles separating us from what we want is failure to ask. There should be an entire course dedicated to asking questions. Because, the answers are already out there. It's our responsibility to ask the right questions.

Appreciate time with friends.

This is true always, but especially in school. Most likely, there won't be another time in your life when you're surrounded by so many other people with common age and interests. This does not mean have more parties, our go out more, but invite your friends over for dinner, go running, make memories. Memories, like my first day in school are lasting, and valuable. They're gifts we are given and should appreciate. You have a say whether they're good or bad.

Don't let uncertainty dictate your decisions, your career, or your life. Trust yourself. From the moment you arrive on campus with a van packed with the comforts of home, to the moment you drive away, leaving memories in your mirrors.