Eruantale

May15 Getting Older

Many of us “young adults” are at a difficult point in time right now. Some will be seniors next year, some will be graduating in just a few short weeks, some have already graduated and are working full time, and others have just recently started college. It wasn’t until recently that I fully realized everything that would happen when I turn eighteen later this year. I will be able to vote, of course, which is probably something I’m more excited about than most. But I will also become an adult. I’ll be applying to college, taking the SAT, finally getting my stinking driver’s license, applying for financial aid, going off to college, and then who knows what!

The thought of it all honestly makes me ill with anxiety. On one hand, I want to move on to something new. On the other hand, I don’t feel like I’m prepared to. But no matter what, I’m going to have to soon. For anyone else feeling the way I do—whether you’re anticipating these vents or are still trying to get used to things after nearly a year of college—here is some wisdom. Take it or leave it.

Shawna’s Rules for Life

1. Make friends, not enemies. My friend Liz once said, “I bet everyone has said something that’s absolutely devastated a person at least once in their life.” Nothing good comes out of being a jerk, even when you think people deserve it. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone you meet. But remember that they are people too. Simply acknowledging the person no one ever talks to might make that person’s day. It doesn’t take that much effort. Say hi to people. Hold back your less-than-polite comment if you can. Choose not to be the one that devastates that person today.
2. Guys: Don’t call a girl fat.
3. Vote for things, not against them. Even if your choice on Election Day is a choice between two evils, vote for the lesser one. Don’t look at scumbag number one and get so outraged that you decide to vote against him no matter what. Scumbag number two could be worse. Alternately, if your choice is between two uberscumbags, vote for yourself.
4. Always remember: the girl in that photo shoot is actually 10lbs heavier with an asymmetrical nose and acne scarring. She also had six professionals to do her hair and make up, plus one more guy to photoshop her to perfection afterwards.
5. Don’t be dumb. This actually applies to a lot of things, but I’m going to use my motto for one specific thing here. When your final exam is tomorrow, is it smart to go to that party and get drunk or high? Answer: no. Actually, is it smart to do either of those things at any time? Answer: no, not really. Are you unintelligent? Are you? Hopefully not. Have some self respect, and don’t be dumb.
6. Girls: Don’t nag a guy unceasingly.
7. Get your money’s worth. If you’re going to attend or currently attending college, don’t let your money go to waste. Go to your classes and pay attention. Study and get your assignments done. You (or your parents) are paying for your education, so take it seriously. If you don’t want to take it seriously, don’t go.
8. Don’t back into a cop car.
9. Don’t be desperate. If he’s a good guy when he’s not drunk and smacking you, dump him. If she’s constantly cheating, but says she loves you, she’s not worth it. If you think you’re going to change them, you’re fooling yourself. If he wants you dress like a tramp all the time, use some common sense, hun. Love isn’t the only important thing in a relationship.
10. Quit passing on those stupid chain messages that say, “ur mom iz gunna dye” or, “OMGZ YURR GANNA HAFF A HOREBBL LUV LYF IF YUU DUN 4WERD THIS!!!” If they were anything to be concerned about, my mom would’ve died 200 times over by now and my love life would be so bad that mobs would randomly run up to me and pummel me on the street. By forwarding those messages, you are actually threatening the recipient. You’re telling me that if I don’t do what you say, you’re going to kill my mom in four hours. Guess what? That’s extortion.

Have any wisdom of your own? Do tell.

Edit: I didn’t realize it until after this was written, but it seems my subconscious borrowed an idea from Meli and Linda Belle today.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 at 4:35 pm in General, Personal. You can subscribe to the comment feed to follow replies or leave a trackback from your own site.