First of all, before you start judging my writing, let us bow our heads and THANK the one above for GROWTH! I mean, I chuckled the other day when this status popped up on my notifications. It brought me back to the days when I used Facebook as my personal journal.* FACE PALM.

Was I really this excited about going to college? Of course I was, even though the school was a stone throw away, but just knowing that freedom was near, was a HUGE DEAL for me! Also there are just somethings that are non negotiable  in a Caribbean household (like not going to college) so yeah…

For a sheltered girl like myself, college taught me more than I could bargain for  and I am always thankful for that experience. Now that I’m an expert of sorts… I would totally enroll and do it all over again, if Sallie Mae and her goons were not part of the equation. Below find some really useful tips from those of us who’ve been in your shoes.

On Education & Internships

In addition to keeping up with your studies it is important to be active in an organization on campus for the profession you have interest in.  – Raven, PR Specialist

Meeting those deadlines will create habits for future success. –Jocelyn, Fashion Stylist.

Travel abroad ! That’s one of my biggest regrets, to see new places and cultures. Lilas, Blogger

Get to know and stay in touch with your professors, internship supervisors, mentors & advisors, they could potentially be a great investment to your future. Lilas, Blogger

Whatever topic or field of study that is peaking your curiosity, go ahead and do it. This will determine where you belong. Nathalie, HR Professional.

On Trusting Your Timing

ALL things, and I mean EVERYTHING, in moderation… This is your time to see as much of the outside world in the context of an environment designed to help you dissect and process. Don’t spend all that time with only a few samples. -Dave

Be humble in everything. Life is rollercoaster! Don’t steam roll others on your way up, because you never know if you’ll roll back down.- Angelica

God will never forsake you or leave you astray. Sometimes a no, is really a not right now and that’s God’s grace protecting you.

On Being True To Yourself

Trust yourself, but don’t set limitations.

Stick to your morals and what’s real will come to you. It’s easy to lose yourself by trying to please total strangers. Andy- Marketing Specialist

Stay out of your own way! – Angelica

On Success & Failure

Don’t settle. If you do not feel a connection to your major, your school, the professors, or the environment, apply somewhere else and LEAVE. College is expensive and should be the best four years of your life. Getting involved in extracurricular activities, interning, and finding a mentor would be your best bet.    –Amira Onibudo, Founder of Unleashyourself.org

Take risk, in everything. The rewards of trying far outweigh the regrets of failure.

Peaks and valleys. Don’t let the successes or failures keep you down.

Relationships & Friendships

Fall in love, so if you endure heartbreak you have your formative years to get over it and grow.

Expand your circle and allow yourself to meet new people; there’s always something new to learn from/about others. Also, cherish your bonds to the fullest, nothing promises that you won’t grow apart later on. Lilas, Blogger.