“Dear College-Age Katie, …”
You may or may not have seen the new trend for celebrities of writing a letter to their 16-year old self. Well, it is a nice idea, but I don’t work with 16-year olds… I work with college students. However, when I was thinking about myself in college and what it was like during finals week (or the END of finals week), I realized just how different I was and just how much I have learned since then.
So, without further ado, here is a VERY SHORT letter to my 20-year-old self.
Dear 20-Year-Old Katie:
For crying out loud, never cut your hair that short. Ever. I’m serious. Some day, you will realize that chin-length bobs are pretty much the most fabulous things ever and you should stick with that for a while. Also, stop fighting the waves. When you have a job someday, you will figure out just how much it stinks to get up early JUST to straighten your hair.
Speaking of jobs, don’t listen to your mom and dad when it comes to jobs. Remember how much you enjoyed being in England and taking those medieval history classes? Yeah, go for that history degree. Believe it or not, you can (and will) get a job with that liberal arts degree. Remember that doing what you love in college will mean that you enjoy your college experience a lot more AND your grades will be awesome because you are doing what you love. Learn to hone your skills and work on your communication skills. It will be your communication skills and ability to learn quickly that will land you that job after graduate school.
Realize that life sometimes stinks. The universe is unfair. The main thing is to not let the tedious, icky parts of daily life drag you down. Roll with it. Keep a sense of humor about everything. Mostly, remember to laugh at yourself. You are going to do some REALLY dumb things in grad school, so you had better get used to laughing at yourself.
I will leave you with that information. Take it or leave it.
Love, Katie (age shall remain secret)
In the end, realize that while you are in school and paying to become an educated person, some of the most important lessons cannot be taught in school. You have to experience them.
If you had to give advice to a younger version of yourself… what would you say?
