I remembered walking to a packed lunch line, grabbing the atrocity they called food, and darting to a quiet area to eat lunch by myself. It was a place of solace — something I desperately needed after hours of lecture and social interaction. The breeze was generous as was the views of the mountains. I couldn’t complain one bit. After all, I was a Freshman with no ambitions, friends, and lots of anxiety.
As I reminisce about that one memory, it felt like wasted time. Time that could be used to make life-long friends. Time for research on snail-like dial up internet. Time to hone my skillset in sports, public speaking, computer design, and much more. Time that felt endless then seems limited now.
At the end of our Senior year, we were tasked to write a reflection to our 10 year self. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep it. Like many other seniors, ready for vacation, I saw it as a pointless assignment. “Unlike others, I’m not going to change. I’ll still be the same old me.” Boy was I lacking in common sense and wisdom.
We’re often asked what advice we would give to our high school self. To be honest, none of the advice would be taken seriously. At that age, I didn’t have the mental capability to grasp the situation nor the wisdom or even mindset to pursue such advice. Any financial advice would be wasted on high school me. Invest in bitcoin? Forget about it, I could barely pay attention in class and diving towards financial or crypto literacy is rocket science. Relationship advice would be for naught. I thought I had the world figure out back then. I didn’t think I was the big fish in the pond, I felt like fisherman.
Now if you think I might be harsh on high school me, it’s simply an understanding of who I use to be. Each year, we should look back and see how stupid we were the year previous. If you don’t feel that way, I got startling news for you.
If I had to give myself advice, it’s to enjoy and do all the things you’re scared of doing. All the things that scare you also scare other people too! They will never admit it though. All of the criticism are from people that haven’t muster the strength to consider going through what you will. To be a critic is easy. We must fail first before we succeed. That girl you wanted to ask out, just do it. That sport you thought was dumb, give it a shot. That one guy you thought was kind of weird? Make the first introduction. Be an open book and keep trying. Always have an insatiable thirst for curiosity in people, life, and your passion.
Perhaps just a few Ala Carte items to add on to that main entrée are: sleeping earlier and hang out more with your parents. One day, you won’t have time to do all of the above. You’ll be limited to a few things, and you have to make sure they’re all something you love doing.
In 10 years, future me will let you know if the advice given still hold true. Until then, keep on trying.