Graduation means new adventures, new paths, and lots of new choices to
make. Whether you're leaving for college or the work force, there are
lots of things folks will tell you, attempting to give you 'advice' as
you head out for this next 'stage' of your life. It doesn't really
matter how old you are, or where you're heading off to. Everyone's
going to tell you what to do (and what NOT to do), because they love
you or they want to see you succeed, or maybe even so they can live
vicariously through you. My guess is all that 'stuff' will come from a
place of good intent. (Or whoever paid for your college tuition just
wants their money's worth!) Whatever the case, here are some things you
probably won't hear from all those 'grown-ups' who mean you well.
1.
It's only going to be as hard as you think. It's up to YOU to find what
works, not from what anyone else has done. Choose your path by way of
your heart.
2. If you drink, don't drive. If you drive, don't drink. Common sense is not as common as one might think.
3.
Always carry snacks. You never know when you might need food to get you
through the next few hours. Food is more essential than alcohol (it's
true!), but don't underestimate the medicinal properties of a glass of
wine. It's part of your fruits/vegetables group. Also, don't
over-imbibe as this well cause serious memory loss (which may be the
difference between passing and failing that exam!)
4. Sleep is
not to be underestimated. Sleep deprivation has been proven to reduce
brain capacity by vast amounts, turning even the most brilliant student
into an imbecile. Proven fact! (the adage 'I'll sleep when I'm dead" is
NOT to be taken seriously!)
5. Personal hygiene is of the utmost
importance. You can wear the same pair of jeans for days as long as
you're also wearing clean undergarments. If you don't believe this, try
living with someone who never bathes. This will cause various maladies
including, but not limited to, sleep deprivation, nausea, chronic
discomfort of the olfactory senses and weight loss (it's hard to eat
when someone that foul-smelling is in the room!)
6. Avoid green
shower stalls. If it looks like there's carpet in the bathroom (and you
KNOW it's tile) do not put your bare feet on that floor. Fungi are
nasty little organisms that are difficult to eradicate and extremely
unpleasant sensory experiences. If all else fails, wear flip-flops!
7.
Gym membership is not essential to staying in shape. Your own
body-weight will do the trick. Good old-fashioned sit-ups, push-ups and
a spirited hike will keep you just as fit as an hour a day in a gym.
The added benefits of staying in shape? You don't need to sleep as
much! (please refer to item # 4)
8. An email is NOT the same as
a hard copy. In other words, drop your Mom a card every now and then.
She'll appreciate the time you took to write it (in your own
handwriting please!) and drop it in a mailbox. This will result in more
'treats' for you! The next time you bring 3 months worth of laundry
home, she'll do it with a smile. Trust me, this works wonders!
9.
Always respond quickly when Care Packages arrive. More thank-you notes
result in more to be thankful for. In short, gratitude begets
gratitude. Be grateful for every little thing. (side effect: it makes
you feel good too!)
10. Hats are terrific for all sorts of
catastrophies. Bad hair days, dirty hair days, rain, visible roots
(color much?), etc. They're also quite handy for keeping those nasty
little critters off of you (think ticks...ICK!)
11. Cotton,
cotton, cotton! Avoid synthetic clothing. Cotton is more comfortable,
easy to wash (even in the dorm sink), dries quickly and wears well. The
nearest discount store sells cotton t-shirts in 6-packs. Buy 2. This
will give you plenty of time to find someone to do your laundry before
you run out. (same with socks!)
12. Say hi to the 'dork'. Just
because someone LOOKS like a geek does not mean they don't have a
heart. Be nice. You never know who that geek will turn into (think Bill
Gates!). Besides, like gratitude, nice begets nice. Ignore the
jackasses who think they're better than you. As my daddy used to say,
"even the Pope has to wipe his own butt". (not a pretty picture, but
you get the idea!) We are all people....and no one is better than
anyone else. (it's just that some think otherwise...leave them to their
delusions and get on with it)
13. It only takes 21 days to form
a habit. Choose the ones that will provide the most benefit, and stick
to it. It won't be long before you're the one acing exams and still
having time to have fun! You CAN do both. It's all about balance.
14.
Phone home. Once a week, call your parents. Just tell them you love
them. If you've never done this before, expect various reactions. Do
not dismay. This, too, shall pass. One day, after you're all
'grown-up', you'll be glad you did this. Again, you'll have to trust me
here. Because they (your parents) won't be around forever...now is as
good a time as any to tell them you care.
15. When your cash
flow doesn't flow ~ BE CREATIVE. You'd be amazed at the things you can
do to make money. Example: go to www.craigslist.org. Search under
'Free'. Get free stuff...and sell it. One man's trash is another man's
treasure.
16. Volunteer: you will be utterly astonished at how
much this will change your life. Find something that inspires you
(animal shelters, homes for the elderly, food banks, women's shelters,
etc) and donate some of your time. It feels good, and the returns are a
hundred-fold. Remember, what goes around, comes around.
17.
Listen to your gut. Intuition is a gift EVERYONE has been bestowed. Use
it. Often. It will always lead you to your best Self. It's also handy
for recognizing the jerk that's hiding behind that pretty face. Trust
your gut MORE than your eyes. Seeing is not necessarily believing.
18.
There's no such thing as a stupid question. If you don't know, ASK. The
only 'stupid question' is the one that goes unasked. Besides, how do
you think the greatest minds of our time got their answers? Think Nobel
Peace Prize.
19. Education is more than just the stuff you learn
in class. It's equal parts mental, moral and aesthetic development.
This means knowledge (from books/teachers/labs), experiences (parties,
outings, etc.), and exploration. Don't be afraid to try new things. You
might be surprised what you'll learn about your Self!
20.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Both physically and otherwise...STRETCH. Reach beyond
your norm and let yourself wander. Stretch your body throughout the day
(good for lots of stuff!). Stretch your mind to consider new
possibilities. Stretch your consciousness to feel the whole of this
marvelous Universe. There is much to learn. Much to experience. Much to
live. GO FOR IT!
Here's to your new adventures. I wish you
great love, great joy and many wonderful experiences. Blessings to all
the grads (and their parents!)
Camille Olivia Strate is a writer and critter keeper who lives in the foothills of Southern California. Her greatest passion is helping people care for their critters. Teaching folks the language of animals so the can 'hear' what they need is among her greatest achievements. A new non-profit called The RAJA Project is about to launch, offering financial assistance to elderly citizens who might otherwise be unable to pay for their pets' Veterinary needs. Visit her personal site at http://www.joyzachoice.com
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provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
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