Dear 18-year-old self,

Congrats! You did it! You finally graduated high school. Something I know you have been looking forward to since you started elementary school. You’re whole life is about to begin. But I promise you, it’s just a small chapter. Real life starts after college. So live this time up.

You’re going to have nights where you rather hit the club than study for that chemistry exam. Do it. Go have fun and don’t be afraid to dance. In eight years, you won’t be able to kick it like you can now. Instead, you’ll pace yourself at two drinks and be home by 9pm. (It’s totally okay though, you’re wife and mom now and it’s way more fun!)

Remember though, you’re in college to get a degree, not party. So stay focused and do not take out student loans unless you absolutely have to. You’re going to kick yourself in the face when you’re older and have to pay them back.

And don’t get frustrated about working and going to school. It’s going to be the only reason you get a call back for a real job whenever you’re 23 and have no idea what to do with you life. In fact, get all the experience you can. Juggle those internships, kick ass in school, and when you’re not studying, pick up an extra shift at work. One day, you’re going to have to submit a real resume and your potential boss is going to want you to have some experience under your belt.

Oh and don’t be surprised if people have an opinion on what you’re studying. They may even try to tell you, you can’t do it. No matter what, don’t let anyone sway you away from chasing your dreams.

No matter what, don’t let anyone sway you away from chasing your dreams.

When it comes to your parents and your siblings, spend time with them. Go home for their birthday, surprise them for lunch. After all, our time is limited on earth.

Speaking of limited time.. have as many sleepovers as possible with your best friends. You will be yearning for it in a few years when you live several hours apart and a whole year flies by before you realize you haven’t seen or hung out with them.

As far as relationships go: have fun, date, but don’t be stupid. You’re going to fall in love with a man that you end up marrying in a few years so honestly, spend this time being selfish. Right now, enjoy being single, enjoy your girlfriends and most importantly, enjoy yourself. 

Its’ time I go, I have to start making dinner. (Yep- you’re old now!)

So stay up late, eat lots of ice-cream, and screw anyone that comments on the freshman 15 that you may gain. Ordering that pizza from 5-star at 2am will be a thing of the past when you’re my age.

Love,

Your future self success-chasing self