30 Days---Day 4

List 10 things you would tell your 16 year old self, if you could.

This was a hard one....I had to really think about it! But I did it! :) I'm sure later tonight or tomorrow I will think of better ones because that's how I am...always think of the good responses after the fact! But oh well...here is what I came up with!

1) There IS life outside of high school. That is kind of hard to imagine and believe when your 16. There is a lot of talk about college and starting a whole new chapter in life once you graduate, but it seems so surreal when you are that age. But turns out, it really is true. Who knew! :) High school seems like such a big deal and a significant part of your life when you're 16 years old, but really it's just a very small part.

2) Grades...although in high school it is fairly easy to make good grades, it's also easy to get away without studying for tests and still do well. In college....not so much. So get into the habit of learning to study and prepare for tests.

3) Enjoy those years to the fullest...being in high school. They fly by.

4) Don't take life too seriously. You are just 16 years old...enjoy it!

5) It's completely okay not to want to be a part of the drinking/partying scene. You don't have to be a part of that to fit in or be cool or have a good time. I never did, and I don't regret it for one second.

6) Save as much money as you possibly can. College is expensive.

7) Being able to drive really is as great as I thought it would be. :) There is so much freedom in knowing you can get yourself from one place to another and not have to rely on others for transportation.

8) Getting a job...I got a job as soon as I was old enough. Don't regret that either. Having a job teaches you responsibility, money management, time management, how to work together/with other people, and so much more! Plus, depending on the job, you get to meet people that you would never have the chance to get to know if you were not working there. And it's great to have experience when trying to find a job down the road.

9) Networking is important....having connections comes in handy. The last place I lived and my last job I had both were due to a friend of mine. If it wouldn't have been for her, I probably wouldn't have worked at Billy Vanilly and wouldn't have moved into the Chi Alpha house...actually, most of my jobs I have had, I have gotten because I knew someone there.

10) Having a cell phone, a nice car, new in style clothes, or a big house doesn't necessarily make you cool. If you don't have these things, it doesn't make you any less significant of a person.