5 Tips From Me To Me...And You

Everyone wants to live life to the fullest; especially once they graduate high school, move out of their parent's place and embark on the adventure we call life. For some it is an adventure filled with growth, turmoil, pleasure, and riches. Others choose to simply exist during that time. Filling their days with long naps, Netflix, and maybe a little bit of homework here or there. While there is nothing terribly wrong with this lifestyle, I would argue that college is such a unique time in a person's life; Netflix, will always be there!

I recently graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a BA in Journalism and Media Studies. While I did manage to take part in a healthy number of extracurricular activities during my time at UNLV, I do wish that I would've had someone to get advice from. These five tips are from me to me, five things that I believe would've helped me stress less, accomplish more and allow me to enjoy college to the fullest.

1. New Place, New You.

This one is pretty simple and something that I heard recently from a family member. They happened to stop by in Las Vegas during their cross country move from coast to coast and this little gem of info came up as we ambled around the Bellagio Hotel and Casino floor. They explained to me that during self-reflection they had noticed a change to their routine that had led to prior success in life. With that knowledge he saw an opportunity to reinvent himself immediately once he showed up to his new job. In his mind he will establish a tone in a new setting to be known by those around him as he wants to be, a hard worker. I showed up to college after six years in the Marines, so I took the opposite approach and let off the gas a lot. But hey! Now that I am graduated and armed with this knowledge I am applying it to my life now to reestablish myself as well!

2. Get To Knooow Yourself!

No, not like that you freak, to know who you are as a person. I do understand people will evolve and change over time but with a little bit of mindfulness and self-reflection I believe you can stay in touch with who you are to live a life you want. Not a life that is influenced by others to fit in. Staying true to yourself will pay out bigger dividends than doing what your friends are doing for your happiness. Everyone is on their own journey, so appreciate their company while you travel together.

3. Participate In Your College Community

Sports, Greek life, student government, clubs; there are ample (meaning plentiful) things to do around campus, you just have to decide what you want to do and pursue it. While certain lifestyles aren’t for everyone that is why you spent time getting to know yourself, so you can pursue what matters to you. For me it was Greek life and focusing on academics which netted me; two Dean’s Honor List, top scholar within my chapter, and a win in an amateur boxing match. College was a great time, but you have to make it that way.

4. Make Yourself Uncomfortable

As my gym goers know there is no such thing as spontaneous growth. You must seek to make yourself uncomfortable by lifting more weight. Combined with a proper diet you will see those gains everyone talks about on Instagram. But for those who exist outside of the gym we must understand that personal growth will only come if we challenge ourselves. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. What that challenge is, is for you to decide, but meet it head on, honestly and you will achieve more than you ever imagined. Every human is capable of their dreams, you just have to dare to dream.

5. Question Everything.

This axiom (uh-oh here’s a challenge, will you accept it? It's worth a google!) comes from one of my personal hero's, Socrates. Tbh idk if that is a statement or proposition which is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true (ok, I’ll help you out 😉 thanks google) I do believe it to be true. Specifically, question the things you do, figure out why you do them. Are you making progress during your life or are you slipping further into obscurity (the state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or unimportant: google)? The challenge here is being honest with yourself. Always keep in mind we are all human, ergo we all have our unique faults, but all have the ability to change our circumstances you just need a genuine want.

In the end I had a great time in college due to learning these lessons as I went. I think learning them earlier would’ve led to even greater success. That is why I offer them to you! I want to thank you for taking the time to read this article and here’s the call to action! If you found any of this information useful or know anyone who could benefit from this please like, share, and subscribe. The Marines try to leave a place better than they found it, so I intend to apply that to this place we call the world wide web. Thanks again!

Any questions, comments? Please leave them down below so we can have a discussion! I look forward to hearing your point of view. Be safe and have a great day!