A helpful letter to my past underclassman self

Dear Younger Me,

It’s alright to feel pretty cool right now. You are, after all, not in high school anymore. You are a college student. You have reached season four of Gossip Girl, Gilmore Girls and even Buffy the Vampire Slayer (though let’s pretend like she didn’t have to drop out to save the world). You’re getting pretty damn old! (Remember when 16 seemed like a long way away?)

But it’s easy to forget that you won’t always be an undergrad. Speaking as your “about to graduate” self, let me tell you that the end is closer than you think.

But don’t worry about that. You have more pressing things to think about. Like what to major in. And who to date. And what friends to stay in touch with. And how to best spend your Dining Dollars.

If I were to tell you to “follow your heart,” I’m sure you would over-think what that means. And also be like, “WTF, man. Just tell me what to do.” Well, hindsight is 20/20 and I can guarantee you that no matter how many “catastrophic” mistakes you make, none actually end up mattering. You’re on the right track.

But you’re going to have some tough lessons and they won’t be in that PoliSci class or Guided Tour of the Planets.

You’re about to learn that people aren’t always as nice as they should be. And that age doesn’t always mean wisdom or good behavior, nor does it make people deserving of respect.

You will date someone who makes you doubt yourself. That’s not okay. Neither is making you cry. Just because girls like to cry over boys in TV shows doesn’t mean it’s something we should expect in real life. It doesn’t mean you have a passionate relationship. It just means he’s an ass.

There are going to be disappointments. And not just the didn’t-get-the-internship kind. The kind that make you question your whole future. Try to remember that’s what college is about. You’re not supposed to have everything figured out. If you did, then what the hell would you be doing here?

There will be moments when you will compare your college friends and your high school friends, your freshman friends and your sophomore friends. But don’t miss the important similarity: They are all friends. You are lucky to have so many people who care about you and actually want to listen to your mix tapes. Even if you only see them once a week, once a month, or just over Thanksgiving break, remember that they are a support system. And maybe your strongest one.

Don’t feel pressured to go out every Friday night. No one will actually care if you’re writing a last minute paper on B-level.

Some final nuggets of wisdom.

-You do like guacamole but Giant has terrible avocados. Don’t waste your money.

-When Freshii opens, do not hesitate. Go eat their salads. Especially the one with goat cheese and bacon.

-Starbucks Gold Card is your friend.

-Make friends who are younger and use their Dining Dollars. Go to Sterling Brunch frequently.

-Spend a paycheck at 13.5% wine bar. Your stomach will thank you.

Well, now I feel like all my advice is rooted in food. But when I look back, it’s the times at 3 a.m. eating a UniMini Bacon Egg and Cheese that I remember the best. The times that aren’t so easily translated in the real world because that’s what college is all about. Don’t miss those moments.

Love,

Your 22-Year Old Self

(You become a genius, FYI)