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As we journey through life, we often reflect on the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Hindsight provides us with a unique perspective, allowing us to see the opportunities we missed, the mistakes we made, and the wisdom we gained. If given the chance, what advice would you give your younger self?
LDrawing from our own experiences, trials, and triumphs, let’s explore the invaluable advice from Reality Changers alumni, drawing on their personal experiences, trails, and triumphs. would impart upon younger students. Whether you’re a student yourself, or wish to share these insights with the young adults minds in your life, join our graduates as we offer guidance, encouragement, and the lessons we wish we had known earlier……
Advice to Your Younger Self
In this piece of best professional advice, Kevin D. reflects on his own experiences and urges his younger self, and young students alike, to prioritize patience, perseverance, and self-care on the path to success:.
“I would tell my younger self to be patient and keep pushing forward. Try to not overwhelm yourself with an absurd workload, it does you more harm than good along the road of success. Ultimately, what you need is drive, because ‘“success is the ability to move from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm’” (Churchill). And most importantly, learn to take care of your well being physically, emotionally, and mentally.” – Kevin D.”
Ashanti H. reflects on her high school journey and shares her realization that time truly flies, highlighting her growth, enjoyment of classes, strong bonds with classmates, and the exciting anticipation of tackling college with confidence. It’s good advice for students!
“I would tell my younger self that people don’t lie when they say time flies. GI would say that going into high school, I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it, but I have done great so far. I love my classes, my classmates are family, and I have gotten to do so many fun things. I would tell my younger self that wWith college coming next, and I’m ready to tackle it just like I did high school! – Ashanti H.
In this insightful piece of guidance, Michelle N. shares her perspective on high school extracurriculars, advising her younger self and others to prioritize quality over quantity:
“I would tell my high school younger self not to that, while in High School don’t stay in extracurriculars for a long time just because you think that it would look good for college applications. It’s better to do fewer extracurriculars where you are actively participating (part of the leadership) and that you are passionate about, because those end up being your personal statements for college applications (and create your most fond high school memories).” – Michelle N.
Erika I. shares guidance on how her younger self handled time management:
“Looking back on my past years in high school, the one thing that I would tell my younger self is how hard it is to actually enjoy high school while maintaining good academic grades. Time management is a very important tool to work on; it has played a huge role in my academic life.’ – Erika I.
While things can seem uncertain at the start of your educational journey, Elizabeth G. reminds students to keep the faith.
“Opportunities will constantly roll in and eventually everything in your life will fall into place.” – Elizabeth G.
Best Professional Advice
College is many people’s first time living independently. Michelle N. offers advice to her younger self and advises other students to follow her lead:
“To still be productive in college without a fixed schedule like I had in high school, I create my own fixed schedule. If I have classes in the afternoon, I wake up early to do homework. I schedule meetings and classes in my calendar, and I make my due dates 2 days earlier. I set alarms throughout the day to remind myself to do certain things (e.g., 5:20PM “Your enrollment window opens in 10 minutes”). – Michelle N.
The best professional advice often comes with a reminder for self-care. Kevin D. sheds light on how to celebrate your success and maintain your mental health in the face of stress:
“Try your best in everything that you do. And if you succeed? Congratulations! You strived to be your best and you’ve accomplished an amazing deed. Let’s say you didn’t receive the outcome you have hoped for. Take a step back and breathe. Remind yourself that you did your best, and your best was good enough. Most importantly, remember to not overwork yourself. Self care is the best care!” – Kevin D.
While it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees at times, Grecia A. reminds students that nothing worth doing is easy:
“Your most challenging experiences will bring your most rewarding moments!” – Grecia A.
The Reality Changers Difference
College access programs like Reality Changers can make all the difference in a young person’s life. Whether you’re a student, a college grad, or a community member eager to get involved, upcoming Reality Changers events are worth attending. Advice to my younger self can really come in handy, but without the guidance of mentors and peers, college can be a real challenge! Get involved, donate, and see just how much of an impact you can make on the next generation of college students.
