LESSONS: SOPHOMORE YEAR
Wow, half way done with college. As fast as these last two years have flown by, I’ve learned so many valuable lessons I think are worth willing to share.
One huge piece of advice I constantly preach on Shift is that you’re never too young. You are never too young to start a business, or get your dream job, or travel somewhere new. Age should never be a barrier to entry and if someone tells you it is, prove them wrong. If you can learn to put yourself out there and build your self-confidence, you will meet all the people you’ll ever need to know who will one day want to help you. One wise man once told me, “Figure out what you’re passionate about and tell everyone about it, they will want to help you”.
Another key lesson is that friendships come and go, and most of the time people aren’t who you think they are. Some people will act like your best friend while it’s beneficial for them, and then turn on you the second someone else comes along who has what they want. This could be status, attention, etc. There’s a quote that goes, “Be so rooted in your being that nobody’s absence or presence can disturb your inner peace”. I think this is something we should all work on. It’s really easy to look for external factors to bring us happiness and peace but we must truly find this balance within ourselves to feel whole.
Lastly, protect your energy. This last semester at UCONN I have tried very hard to establish healthy habits for myself. A few of these habits include waking up at 6am during the week, going to the gym 4-5 times a week, eating dinner before 7pm, and going to bed at 10pm. I’m not perfect and some weeks these goals aren’t realistic but for the most part, when I set the intention I make it happen. I am the happiest I’ve ever felt and honestly think it has all to do with my routine.
While in college, there can be a lot of pressure to go out every weekend, Thursday through Saturday. Personally, I’m very sensitive to this pressure and am not someone who likes to go out nearly that often. I’d much rather hang out with a smaller group of my closest friends and go to a restaurant or try something new. Again, some friends will disagree with lifestyle choices like these and that is okay- one day it’ll make sense to them. Learn to be okay with saying no, when you know that’s the right decision. Finally, know that there are people who will respect your boundaries/energy levels/routines and will stick by you no matter what.
*Cover photo is of my roommates Sophie, Kait and I on one of our first days of school outside our apartment :,)
