If you’re going to college, here are some things that you should know and keep in mind before graduating high school. Changes are going to happen in life after graduation but they aren’t always a bad thing.
1. Being alone shouldn’t be a bad thing.
Your group of friends will turn into a party of one… or two but that’s okay. Your friends might not always be there for you the way you would want them to. Don’t be afraid to do things by yourself. Being popular will not matter once you graduate.
2. Just because you passed high school with straight A’s, doesn’t mean that you’ll do the same in college or life.
There will be things that you won’t know how to do. For example, how to write a check or how to cook. Just remember to always allow yourself to expand and learn.
3. Let your pain and suffering guide you towards bettering yourself.
Start putting your mental health into consideration and do things that you make you happy. High school is the perfect place to neglect self-love but use it to continually better yourself.
4. Step out of your comfort zone.
You might be surprised with what you can handle, just remember to not do too much at once. Do this with stages by slowly challenging yourself with work, school, and life. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
5. Don’t take your family for granted.
As you become for self-driven, you tend to forget that you have a family and begin to isolate yourself. However, don’t underestimate the love within as it is very strong. Make time to spend time with your family, even though your friends look more appealing to be around with.
6. Start actually using your savings account.
The beginning of your financial endeavors start now, learn to start saving your money. It is important to have money saved and stored in case of unexpected emergency expenses or future plans.
7. Take personality test to learn your weaknesses and strengths before you choose a major to pursue.
It is okay to enter college with an undeclared major, however this can result in loss of money and time. It is strongly recommended to work with your strengths and weaknesses to find the perfect career path to pursue.
8. Stop caring what other people think about you.
Don’t be afraid to be different as this is the time that you start learning so much about yourself. In high school it is easy to be peer pressure to be someone that you are not. Don’t forget to stay true to yourself.
9. Breakfast is important.
Sometimes breakfast is skipped due to running out of the house because you took too much time to do your hair. Be sure to leave 15-20 minutes to eat in the morning before starting your day. It makes a difference!
10. Surround with people who make you a better person.
Be around people who help and encourage you to be the best you can be. Don’t be afraid to cut people out of your life. Surround yourself with positive people as they become a blessing when you are stressed and lonely.
11. Your GPA doesn’t define you or your worth
College and scholarships tend to make it seem as if your GPA is the most important thing in the world. However, this does not lower your value. By having low GPA doesn’t mean that you are a bad person or lazy.
Marycarmen Villalpando
Student Worker
