Every year it happens, kids go back to school not understanding the true greatness of the summer days they spent by the pool, drinking sonic ocean water and going on drives at night. (Oh are we back in the 50's or was this just my summers?)
Last night we had a family dinner for my sisters before they leave for college. My baby twin sisters are going off to college. For me, this is a very emotional experience. For the first time EVER our family will not be living in the same place. I went to school in the city my family lived. Not only are they going away to college but they are going to different colleges, in different states.
They are not just my little sisters but my friends and in some way kind of like children of my own. I'm not the cool older sister. I never bought them beer (I did take them rolling – where you put toilet paper on people's houses- one time) or let them sneak in past curfew or anything like that. No, I was more the opposite. “You're wearing that?!” “Don't talk to boys, at all.” “If you can't be responsible, then you don't deserve it anyway.” This was more my way. I literally texted them this yesterday:
But since they are leaving, I won't always be there to shed a responsible barrage of wisdom on them. So instead I'll do it here and they can read it often (see also, never.)
My Advice for the College Bound:
Organize yourself. This is the number one thing you can do. The faster you're organized, the faster you can go out and party.
Join a club, sorority, group, whatever. If you find interest in anything join it. You will make friends and meet new people. Instant friends are the best kind.
Make friends with different people. This has to do with the above but it also means putting yourself out there. Don't always sit with the same people in class. Branch out. Introduce yourself.
Drink… wisely. Ok, we get it. You're a big person in college now. That doesn't mean you know how to control your alcohol intake. I'm not saying don't do it. Just drink water with every drink. Eat a meal before. Like a real meal. Not a Lean Cuisine. If you feel like you've had too much stop. Actually just stop after a few drinks and see how you feel. Please?!
Eat on campus. First of all this saves you (or your parents) money and it's actually pretty good. There are healthy options and you and your friends have a meeting place here.
Go to freaking class. Want to pass College? This is all I have to say about that.
Get weird. What I mean by that is be yourself (hey, we are all a little weird).
Study outside. A lot of times college campuses are beautiful places. Sure, the library is great, but on nice days just lay outside and read Macbeth.
Don't date your high school boyfriend (Unless you know he is the love of your life and you just have a good sense about these things like I did.)
Go out. This is college, have fun. Go to theme parties and dress up. Sing karaoke in the frat house.
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| Can you spot me? (Hint: hair flip) |
See, I'm kind of cool after all.
Also, I'd like to relive college now. Thank you.
Now tell me, what's some advice you have for the college bound?
That's my In your face, Miss Librarian face.
