Graduating high school is exciting. But there are plenty of unknowns out there just waiting to trip you up in your newfound adulthood and independence as you embark on the next big thing. The staff at Distractify.com offers a little sage wisdom and advice regarding what it means to be a newly minted adult.
1. You don’t have to have a perfectly crafted response to the all too frequent question, “What are you going to do now?”
Regardless of what some may think, there is absolutely no way to indefinitely decide your future when you are eighteen. You don’t have to know what you are going to do, just know what you like to do and move from there.
2. There is no need for you to pretend to have a desired career path if you really don’t.
Just be honest about your interests, instead of feeling obligated to make something up for every distance relative and neighbor.
3. The summer after high school is one that you should cherish.
The every-day occurrences that you have with your family and childhood friends may seem like normality now, but one day you will wish you could return to those moments and appreciate them fully.
4. There’s no shame in entering college with an undeclared major.
If you don’t know exactly what major you want to be in, that’s OK. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for it. Just make sure you are taking classes to try to figure that out and exploring your options.
5. You still need your parents.
You may be eighteen now and feel as though you are on the cusp of officially breaking away from mommy and daddy, but odds are that probably isn’t entirely the case.They’re going to give you an immense amount of help throughout your entire life, including college. Realize that now and save yourself the trouble.
6. You won’t be friends with everyone that you graduated with.
Some manage to sustain a large group of high school friends, but even then, growing apart is inevitable. You can’t be bitter to one another because of it. Establishing yourselves individually doesn’t have to damage your friendship. Just be supportive of each other and try to treasure the time you do have together.
7. You need to comprehend the expense of college.
Whether or not you or your parents are paying for your education, you should understand the grave amount of money that is going into it. It will make it a lot easier for you to truly utilize all of the opportunities presented in college.
8. Understand the importance of being self-disciplined and motivated as you enter college.
The amount of freedom that you have will be very enchanting and overwhelming at first, but it is awfully easy to get off track.
9. Just because you are a high school student, doesn’t mean that your pre-established values and morals need to be subject to change in college.
The most important lessons that you will learn is the ability to stand by what you believe in. Just because it’s what every one else seems to be doing, doesn’t mean it has to be what you are doing too.
10. You need to get involved at your school.
There are so many programs created to assist freshman students in doing this. Make the absolute most of what you are given from the very start. Ask questions, sign up for clubs, and go the extra mile. The parties are fun, but you want to remember what you did in college.
11. If your high school relationship ends, it will be okay.
It feels like the end of the world for a while, but you will meet so many more people in life that will probably end up being a better fit for you anyway. It’s hard to experience so much growth with one other person, and sometimes high school relationships are just one of those things you have to grow out of.
12. You have to study and will have plenty of homework.
It may have been possible to get away with not studying at times for many high school kids, but college isn’t the same way. There is always homework and you are expected to complete it without any reminders. Prepare yourself for this.
13. You should always work towards a goal.
Though it isn’t imperative to have a set career path when entering college, you have to keep your aspirations and goals in your sights. Just because you’ll be living in college world, doesn’t mean the real world isn’t just around the corner. If you blow off opportunity to harness your strengths and gain work experience, you will ultimately suffer for it.
14. You’re going to meet some of your absolute best friends in college.
Choose to associate with those that bring you simple happiness and make you a better form of yourself.
15. You’ll want to save money whenever you can.
You will feel very poor in college and need the extra cash for a multitude of reasons. You’ll learn the definition of saving pennies.
16. This may sound harsh, but you usually begin college as a nobody.
It doesn’t matter that you were a football star in high school or the top of your class. Everyone is brand new, and going to college is a humbling experience. It teaches you that you often have to reinvent yourself in life.
17. Don’t feel discouraged when this transition of identity takes place.
It can be frustrating to start over, but you will most likely end up feeling more established and confident than you did in high school.
18. You’re eighteen. This is wonderful step in your life, and one that often feels bittersweet.
Stay true to yourself and take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you as you enter college. Make new friends. Build strong relationships. Learn everything that you can. Follow your dreams and have a great time doing so.
