The end of high school is upon you and it is a time to celebrate your accomplishments, resilience, friendships, and more. It is an opportunity for reflection and a moment to appreciate how far you have come. For many, it is the moment you have been anticipating for a long time. The excitement of it all is coupled with the unknown of what lies ahead.
Transition to life after high school will impact all of you in different ways, some bigger than others. Over the next several months you will receive many pieces of advice from those you love and those you just met. Parents might feel the pressure to cram every lesson about adulting into the next three months, however, I want to give you some smaller tips that will provide a great foundation for your next steps.
LEARN TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF
It’s ok to speak up. Be kind, but be true to yourself!
DON'T PROCRASTINATE
College work will ebb and flow, but there are not as many opportunities to
showcase your knowledge so when you do, make it count.
TIME MANAGEMENT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Unlike high school, there is a lot of unplanned time in college.
Think about the best ways to spend it.
Create a calendar to hold yourself accountable and
be sure to incorporate time to study, exercise, eat, sleep
and hang out with friends.
TREAT YOURSELF WITH KINDNESS
Becoming an adult is tough. You're not expected to have all
the answers so allow yourself some grace to grow.
LEAVE YOUR DORM ROOM DOOR OPEN
It is the best way to meet people. You never know when
your next friend might cross your path.
EXPLORE
College is full of opportunities. Try something new
every semester. It can be social or academic.
The old saying “you never know till you try” is relevant here.
REMEMBER YOUR FAMILY
While you are off creating your new life they are at home missing you.
Reach out and share your new adventures with them.
Some families like to have a regular weekly check-in while others
are ok with it being more organic—decide what works
best for you and your family before you leave.
SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT
Spending money can go quickly. Budgeting your money will
help keep you on track and will teach you a valuable life lesson.
BE SAFE, BE SMART
You're in a new place with new people and lots of Independence.
Make sure you use the buddy system (remember kindergarten)
and watch out for each other.
DON'T GIVE UP
Transition is never easy. Remember this journey is yours.
Own it! Keep pushing through because you CAN do this!
REACH OUT FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT
Adulting means knowing when to reach out for help versus trying to
do it on your own. Everyone needs a support system in life,
using yours shows strength.
BALANCE
There is a delicate balance between too much and not enough.
Understand what you need and create a balance for yourself.
Remember this is different for everyone, so own yours.
In the end, know that you already achieved success in life. The skills you have honed over the last eighteen years will continue to serve you well. Lean in and enjoy this next stage of your journey. You will be great and remember, how you handle what happens next is more important than what happens. You got this!
