Sometimes thinking about your life and sorting out what you have learned is just as important as tackling a new venture. This past weekend was DePauw’s commencement for the class of 2011. Campus was in full DePauw glory, but the graduation weekend also provoked some life reflection. Year one post college is officially over. As I sat at the graduation ceremony last Sunday I thought about how much my life has changed in a single year, but most of my internal thinking was spent trying to wrap my head around how quickly the last five years came, went, and are now memories. I sat nostalgic, but also quickly thought of one person who is just getting ready to begin his own college experience. Baby brother will be graduating high school this week. As cliché as it seems I feel some pressure as a big sister to pass onto him some wise words or advice for the next phase of his life.
So, bro ….here are a few things that won’t make your next 4 to 6 years go any slower, but are a few tidbits I might tell my younger self if I could go back in time:
All too often in college I think I judged people on too little of information. Instead of judging someone for what they do or where they are in their life, figure out why they do what they do and how they got to where they are. No one gets through life unscathed. Remember that every person you encounter can teach you something about yourself.
Embrace change. As uncomfortable as it is sometimes, change will allow you to stretch and grow. New things feel awkward and scary at first, but those feelings will go away and you are left with something bigger and bolder in your life.
Give back .I always thought the saying “it is better to give, than to receive” was a little stale, but I have learned that “giving” to others makes me very happy. One thing I have always loved about you is how big your heart is. No matter what I asked you to do when we were younger you would always do it for me. Don’t lose that. People will ALWAYS remember you based on how you made them feel.
Surround yourself with good people. You are a social butterfly. You have a lot of friends, but you also value close friendships. I challenge you to continue to build those close friendships in the next few years. I have seen people in college who know everybody, but no one really seems to know them back. Put in the work to make best friends because those are the friendships that will last you a lifetime.
Party smart. Now, West Point is obviously going to be a different college experience than mine was at DePauw, but I also know that there will be times when the rigidness of the Academy is lifted and you will party like a college kid! Just be smart. It is extremely easy to get caught up in the fun of drinking and feeling invincible. You are not invincible, so take it slow and be the responsible one when it comes to alcohol.
Jake, life is unbelievably brief. When we’re young we might feel like there’s a huge mass of time ahead of us. But trust me, it passes much faster than you think. So, above all other advices, make sure every once in awhile you stop long enough to appreciate it all. Happy Graduation Bookie. Go Army, Beat Navy.
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