We have all heard that phrase: hindsight is 20/20. While that is true for most things, it’s especially true when it comes to what we wished we knew before going to college. At least for me it is. While that list is endless in a lot of ways, I think we can safely narrow it down to 10 of the most important “wish I knew that” nuggets of gold. This list is compiled from my own hindsight as well as others.
You can change your major!
While I wouldn’t advise to change it 13 times in one year, like yours truly here, do keep in mind that you can change your major if you find you aren’t loving it. There are always people who never change their major, but often they have known since day one they want to be a doctor, engineer, artist, actor/tress etc. However, for those of us who didn’t know what we wanted to do our freshman year, changing majors is natural. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you aren’t entirely sure.
Take the random class in high school
I’m going to guess that you have multiple interests, so why not take that auto mechanic class that’s offered or the class in woodworking or robotics? By taking the “random” classes in high school, you begin to broaden your exposure and start to realize what you like and don’t like. So my suggestion is to take that class if there is even a single spark of interest. Chances are you won’t be disappointed.
Keep your GPA up!
Seriously, don’t let this slide! Once you take a dip and fall down the scale, it’s very difficult to bring it back up. I’m not sure I need to say anymore on this topic because I’m sure your parents have drilled this one in your head.
Talk to everyone
During high school, while I did have my core group of best friends, I talked to everyone and didn’t limit my “circle.” You don’t know everyone’s story so don’t assume you do and judge people based on that. Besides, that quiet gal who sits alone at lunch could be the missing piece to your friend puzzle and inspires you to get involved in things you might not have otherwise given a second thought to. Bottom line: don’t limit yourself and be kind to everyone.
Get a job!
Much like the GPA, I’m not sure I need to go into much detail. Jobs offer you exposure, experience and money. Why wouldn’t you get a job? Plus, you will start making connections that could be useful in the future.
Going to college is a privilege, be thankful you have the opportunity
There are tons of teens in the world who would give anything to go to college. Keep this in mind when applying to schools.
PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS
That deserves all caps and bold! I talked entirely too much during class and was a disruptor, and not the good kind. I could have learned so much more about my interests and not say “I don’t know what I want to do” as much as I still do. Definitely should have paid attention more.
Pay no mind to the gossip
I can’t stress this one enough! Life is not a popularity contest, even though it feels like it in high school. Don’t contribute to or participate in the damage that it causes to people. Plus, it really serves zero purpose and will not help you in the future whatsoever.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
This is a hard one to learn, but start learning how to forgive yourself and move on. There are a lot of stressors in this world, don’t add yourself to that mix. You have your whole life ahead of you so try and remember this and don’t allow your teenage self to ruin anything for your adult self.
Last, but not least, and maybe the most important:
Enjoy!
Enjoy spring break and summer vacation because that goes away after your graduate. Definitely wish I did more of this while in high school!
FindMino – Get inspired
Finding the right major is a challenge for all of us. FindMino is here to inspire you and help you discover the right path – and at least reduce the amount of times you would change majors. See below for some suggestions.
Want to know more?
Sign on to Findmino.com. Free access. No need to download. FindMino is a web app that offers an inspiring place to get sorted on career choice. In a pleasant way FindMino helps to find your competencies, and to make up your mind on where you want to go. And it pre-sorts quality online information around careers, saving you tons of time to find it yourself.
Check our other blogs related to wellness here.