Advice to college student

 I’m tearing up as I’m writing this because the clock is ticking at a warp speed…and in two short years it will be us.

I’m talking about the college drop-off and I’m not ready.

It’s hitting me differently this year because I have a front row seat to one of my best friends starting to pack up her daughter’s things to move hundreds of miles away for her freshman year. 

1,512 miles to be exact 😭

So I wanted to give a few nuggets of advice for all of the kiddos leaving home:

1. Call your parents. Often. Don’t just text - they need to see your face.

2. Don’t go anywhere alone at night. Ever.

3. You’re about to meet your lifelong friends.

4. GO TO CLASS! Even the ones that put you to sleep. (I’m looking at you Geology 🙄)

5. Wear your shower shoes every time.

6. You will get homesick. It’s okay to admit it when you are missing home.

7. You’re about to learn how expensive “life” is. Those trips to Starbucks and Crumbl add up quickly when it’s on your own dime so make a budget!

8. Eat you veggies. Seriously.

9. Don’t leave your drink unattended at a party.

10. Make sure the kids lock is off before getting into an Uber.

11. Read the labels before throwing something in the wash. 

12. Take vitamin C daily because germs are everywhere.

13. You will become like the people you spend the most time with. Choose friends wisely.

14. It’s never cute to be sloppy drunk. And that hangover? It’s never worth it.

15. Take care of your brain health. Learn to PAUSE.

16. Do NOT sign up for a credit card.

17. Pick a major that’s best for YOU! It’s not about what your friends and family want you to do.

18. You’ll get the grade you earn. Mom & Dad can’t help you on that.

19. Text your little brother and sister back home. This is hard on them too - they’re missing you something fierce.

20. You don’t have to fit in a box. Be unapologetically you.

21. Remember your roots. Call your grandparents, check in on high school friends and don’t forget where you came from.

22. Keep some cans of chicken noodle soup in your dorm room.

23. What you post on social media could harm your future self.

24. Go to church, meditate - be mindful of nurturing your soul.

25. You can always go home. It will feel like a warm hug.