LIVE IN THE MOMENT – that's it. My all-encompassing advice to myself my first year of college. There are so many things to be stressed about, let it come, let it go. Have fun, live in the moment.
School – the work you are doing, it's important. You are here for the betterment of yourself. Study hard. Try not to procrastinate. Get a tutor. Prioritize your work. Figure out your study method.
FOCUS when you work, don't Snapchat your roommate about how there's more information about the brain than you could ever fit in your own. But be patient with yourself. You can't remember everything; you can't grasp every concept right away. Be patient. Try your best on something and move on. In 10 years, is your grade on tomorrow's anatomy test really going to matter?
Sports – ENJOY IT. The terrible conditioning, the mentally tough drills, the endless go- go- go… experience it. I know right now, in my last season, all I want is to do it all over again.
Commit to your team and yourself. Put everything aside when you're at practice or in the game. To me, my sports have been a privilege and a saving grace. Treat it as such.
BE PROUD – we have great teams here, capable of amazing things and you are a part of that.
Social – Be friendly, be present, be your weird self. You will find your people.
Hang out with those people you want to hang out with.
Take every opportunity to have fun. Little things from a quick dance party study break to planning your day around food trucks – TAKE ADVANTAGE of every opportunity to do fun things.
Overall – Go with the flow. Class, practice, bus rides, studying, finding a way to fit sleep in… you will be challenged. You will be stressed. Let it come, let it go. Find your rhythm and you'll find your way.
Take care of yourself. Your body. (You do only have one.) This is NOT a time in your life, nor is there ever a time in your life to work yourself into the ground. Study your butt off, practice with all your heart, but don't forget: eating a good dinner, sleeping more than six hours, and relaxing is SO important for your mind and body.
HAVE FUN.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
P.S. Naps will be your best friend.
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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)
