Things I can only wish someone told me three years ago
As early as now, make mistakes — and lots of them. Do not fear possible public humiliation, for, after some time, only you will be able to vividly recall those events. No one keeps track of how many times you fail, so fail often. It is only through mistakes and failures that we learn the most important lessons necessary to succeed in life.
Whatever it is that keeps you from challenging yourself and taking risks isn’t as bad as you think it may be. And even if it turns out to be embarrassing, you are responsible for how you define what “embarrassing” is. Inject humor in your life; laugh at your faults. At the end of the day, the only regret you will be getting is not having attempted to go beyond your comfort zones.
Your grades will not matter years from now. No matter how hard you work on that project, it will only get you to as far as your graduation day, or to, in some instances, as far as your first three jobs. That you learn your lessons by heart is the most important thing as a student. You may forget those terminologies and theories, and believe me you will, but if you truly understood the concepts being inculcated, you have sufficient knowledge to guide you throughout your career.
Build your network, and meet new friends. You will need a support group to accompany you for the rest of your life, to be there for you when you need a good cry, and someone to watch a corny romantic film with. Similarly, you need to engage with people who will disagree with your opinion. These people will make you see things more clearly and will make you appreciate the beauty of yourself even more.
Let go of the people who hurt you. Cry if you have to, look back if you want to, but always move forward. There is always a reason why things don’t work out the way you want them to be. And, no matter how tempting and difficult it may be, do not go back. Do not allow yourself to be hurt again. Love yourself. This is your foundation in loving God and your neighbors. Surround yourself with people who value your worth and existence, and not those who degrade your dreams and refute your ideals. Love yourself. And treat yourself once in a while. Celebrate even the smallest accomplishments.
No matter how daunting and desperate your experiences are, hold on and never give up. There are always hundreds of reasons to be happy every day.
You were created for this world. You are created to be victorious. Your life is grand. Because you are your King’s beloved Princess. •
Whatever it is that keeps you from challenging yourself and taking risks isn’t as bad as you think it may be. And even if it turns out to be embarrassing, you are responsible for how you define what “embarrassing” is. Inject humor in your life; laugh at your faults. At the end of the day, the only regret you will be getting is not having attempted to go beyond your comfort zones.
Your grades will not matter years from now. No matter how hard you work on that project, it will only get you to as far as your graduation day, or to, in some instances, as far as your first three jobs. That you learn your lessons by heart is the most important thing as a student. You may forget those terminologies and theories, and believe me you will, but if you truly understood the concepts being inculcated, you have sufficient knowledge to guide you throughout your career.
Build your network, and meet new friends. You will need a support group to accompany you for the rest of your life, to be there for you when you need a good cry, and someone to watch a corny romantic film with. Similarly, you need to engage with people who will disagree with your opinion. These people will make you see things more clearly and will make you appreciate the beauty of yourself even more.
Let go of the people who hurt you. Cry if you have to, look back if you want to, but always move forward. There is always a reason why things don’t work out the way you want them to be. And, no matter how tempting and difficult it may be, do not go back. Do not allow yourself to be hurt again. Love yourself. This is your foundation in loving God and your neighbors. Surround yourself with people who value your worth and existence, and not those who degrade your dreams and refute your ideals. Love yourself. And treat yourself once in a while. Celebrate even the smallest accomplishments.
No matter how daunting and desperate your experiences are, hold on and never give up. There are always hundreds of reasons to be happy every day.
You were created for this world. You are created to be victorious. Your life is grand. Because you are your King’s beloved Princess. •