There are quite a few fresh high school grads who mean a lot to me (even some college freshman-to-be-sophomores!), and I wanted to give them some advice that I wish was given to me when I was a baby high school grad with the world ahead of me.
1. Never do what is easiest "just because." Maybe going to a school close to home is what is right for some of you, but maybe it's not. So risk it. Go somewhere hours away. I love Ohio State with my whole heart, and I built a new family/home in Columbus. I also have important life skills now that I would not have developed as quickly if I lived close to home.
2. Don't worry about declaring a major right away. So many people will pressure you (trust me, it never ends) to figure out exactly what you are doing. But you are SO young. Don't make swift decisions just to have some direction. Explore and figure out what you really like. More importantly, make sure you understand how the major will apply to the real world and how your actual job will function in reality.
3. Study abroad. My five-week long venture in Europe was not nearly enough, and I wish I had studied abroad more. Yeah you'll miss your family and boy/girlfriend. Yeah, it'll cost lots of money, but that's an experience no one can ever take from you. I cannot wait to go back!!
4. Keep graduate school (and your gpa) in mind, and don't blow your first year. I've never "blown" any class, but my first year had some tough ones! Studying in college is much different than high school. My first international studies class was so hard- only three chances for a grade! Just because it's your first year with general courses doesn't mean that it will be easy! Even though graduate school is years ahead for you, it will be something that will be on your mind the second half of your academic adventure. That's why you should be consistent (hopefully consistently good!) in your work habits so your gpa will be good enough to get into a master's program!
5. Back to the whole major thing, if you get over halfway through a program and decide you hate your life, don't give up! In this day in education, getting a bachelor's degree is only the first step! So if you major in say.. architecture school and decide to go to law school. ;) You're still fine! You may have some catching up to do, but do not panic!
In conclusion, you may think that college (if that is your immediate, post-high school choice) is your last resort for figuring out what you want out of life. Contrary to popular belief, it is not. Your desires will change as you grow as a person and you may decide you want something entirely different than you wanted as a twenty year old. People will always tell you to "do what makes you happy," but it's never that simple. Sometimes those people will not agree with what makes you happy. Sometimes you won't even know what the hell makes you happy. Just make your decisions one at a time, and NEVER settle!
Good luck, little graduates! Peace and love be with you!
<3 jamie="" p="">
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