(This article is a continuation….read part 1 HERE)

A few nights ago, some of my friends and I were reflecting on those wonder years of college. We realized there was wealth of knowledge we gained along the way. It’s probably not what you are thinking though. Of course we learned about the War of 1812, Euclidian geometry, and writing in iambic pentameter, but there were some life lessons buried in the midst of the academics, which probably would have been helpful to know before we made the journey to college.

So for all you ladies out there, who are headed off to college for the first time (or back for a new semester), here are some additional things we wish someone would have told us!

• Be who you are – trying to be “perfect” isn’t attainable and is a waste of time. People will like the real you better.
• Don’t take open drinks that people hand to you…watch them all the way from the bar (of course, this only applies if you are legal drinking age. Otherwise stay out of the bar until you are legal drinking age.)
• Campus ministries are a great way to meet friends and build community if you are having a hard time connecting.
• You have value even if you don’t go out every night. Don’t let others determine what you need or want.
• Be adventurous. Do new things. Intramural sports, Greek life, studying abroad…
• Don’t go to the pound and get a puppy. It’s never a good idea.
• Never get into a car with anyone driving who has been drinking. Call a cab. Call a friend. Just don’t ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Innocent bystanders get arrested too. Be aware of what’s going on around you – especially when there is any drug use.
• Set all your privacy setting on Social media to private. Assume that any future employer will find the half-drunk, half-naked, table-dancing picture before your interview. That would be bad.
• Good luck with the geometry this semester!

Dr. Wendy Dickinson
wdickinson @ growcounseling.com