Things I would tell my 18 year old self.

I am graduating college in less than two weeks, and even though I'm only 21, a lot happens from 18-21. I am a totally different person in just 3 and a half years and desperately wish I had gotten a pep talk from someone as badass as my future self. So, here are 20 things I wish I had internalized upon beginning my freshman year of college.

Hey gal, you’re starting college soon. I’m about to finish it… suck on that. Just kidding.

1. You’re probably really excited to watch as the whole world opens up to you. Don’t think it won’t though, because whether you want it to or not, it’ll be wide open. Don’t mess that up.

2. Don’t retreat into your shell when things get uncomfortable. Don’t search for your safety blanket because when it’s gone, what will you do?

3. Experience life. Say yes to more things and think about yourself.

4. Don’t expect people to give more than you do because no one wants to look desperate.

5. Just be you, and don’t be sorry about who you are.

6. Open your mind and life to things other than your homework.

7. College isn’t as hard as you’re going to tell yourself it will be.

8. It’s okay to skip class sometimes, but not all the time. Classes cost money and you’re wasting it by skipping and failing.

9. It’s okay to ask for help and still rely on your parents.

10. Call your mom, she’ll love it.

11.  If you get sick, go to the doctor. Being a broke college student doesn’t mean you can’t take care of your body.

12. The freshman 15 is only there if you’re careless.

13. Exercise regularly, you’ll be glad you did.

14. Don’t listen to girls who dress like they’re going to the club or look like they are about to run a marathon every day. They’re probably really catty and have a sense that they are better than you. They aren’t better than you. But you also aren’t better than them.You just have a better sense of appropriate dresswear.

15. Comparing yourself to other people and letting thoughts of competition into your head will drive you mad, so shut that shit down.

16. If you have to look in the mirror when you’ve been drinking and tell yourself to “pull it together” either switch to water, drink some Gatorade or go to sleep. Do not drink more.

17. Take care of belligerent people at a party even if you don’t like them. It’s the moral thing to do. Also, karma suggests that someone will take care of you if you drink too much. But if you look in the mirror and tell yourself to get it together and drink more… no sympathy.

18. You’re only as miserable as you make yourself, so don’t be miserable. Don’t be lazy. Be happy and productive.

19. Take more pictures. You can always delete the bad ones later, but you can’t make them appear if you didn’t take them.

20. Be genuine. No one likes fake bitches.