Oh The Places You'll Go

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. 

You can steer yourself any direction you choose. 

You're on your own. And you know what you know. 

And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go." 

Dr. Seuss

I cannot believe in a few weeks it will be two years since I graduated from high school. It is crazy to think how quickly time passes by when you are in college. I remembering senior year and wondering what opportunities college would bring or the new people God would bring into my life. I was excited about becoming a college athlete but nervous about handling everything on my own away from home. I think the best thing for graduating seniors to hear is advice from current college students. At least we can warn you about what you are about to get yourself into right?

•  Become involved. The first few months of college are the most important because you are available to become a part of so many new things. Student Organizations. Greek Life. Intramurals. Athletics. Student Government. Make your college campus a home. 

• Remember your supporters. Never forget where you came from or the people who helped you get to where you are today. I wouldn't survive each day without the encouraging words from my close friends and family. My parents are my greatest advocaters, and they never fail to give me the best advice for any situation I may be going through. 

• Do not fear failure. My freshman year in college seemed so much like high school. I had more independence and how I spent my time throughout the day was entirely up to me. I went through my core classes remembering high school and learning algebra, typing research papers, and working on projects. Freshman year was very much a memory of high school. However, sophomore year has proven to be exactly what college is meant to be. It gets hard. The best advice my Mom has given me this year is "It's okay to say it's hard. But never quit because it gets too hard." Along with that, she also told me that college is not a test of intelligence but a test of endurance. On my most difficult days, I remind myself of these words as college can sometimes make you doubt your intellect. 

• Be spontaneous. Go to Taco Bell at midnight. Pull at least one all-nighter so you can remind yourself to never do it again. Find friends who will stay up with you into the early hours of the morning studying and completing assignments you procrastinated on. Go outdoors. This seems silly, but after spending three days in the library studying for a test with your friends, the first thing you want to do afterwards is spend some time in your Eno underneath the trees. 

• Follow your dreams. Find what you want to spend the rest of your life doing and then put everything you have into accomplishing that goal. Test your limits and see how far you are willing to push yourself to achieve your hopes and wishes. 

• Find yourself. Become who you have wanted to be your entire life. College is a new place with new people. Remind yourself of your morals and value. Never stray far from the path you have envisioned for yourself, and find people to bring along with you in life who you share goals with. College is where you have the opportunity to find your life-long best friends. Do not miss out on all that God is calling you for.

• Start adapting yourself to an independent life. Learn how to do laundry and learn to love it even when you hate it. Know how to cook for yourself. Clean up after yourself. Have an idea when it comes to providing for yourself. The best thing my parents could have ever done is tell me to get a job while I was in high school. Buying stuff for myself feels even better when I know how hard I have worked for it. 

Graduating high school is such an accomplishment in itself. You should be proud of enduring all those years in school and moving on to an even bigger chapter in your life. I can say I do not think anything can fully prepare someone for college. It is different for everyone, and each person will handle it in different ways. College has the possibility to be the best four years of your life. Although at night I sometimes question the definition of "best," I wouldn't trade being in college and going through what I am going through now. I am learning more about myself now than I have in the last twenty years of my life. Good luck to all the high school graduates out there. The world is at your fingertips, so do not lose the grasp on the amazing chances in life you will be given. 

With Love & Laughter, 

Alison