I was wandering around Dymocks with D & my mum yesterday and came across a book. I can’t remember the exact title but it was a collection of advice different people would give to their 18 year old selves. Thinking about it, there’s nothing major I’d like to change about me at 18. There’s not even that much advice I could or would give my 18 year old self. If anything? Just a few friendly words of encouragement that would’ve made the year just that little bit easier…
- Learn to save your money. Otherwise you’ll get to 22 and still suck at it.
- Your ENTER score is just a number, once you get into university, nobody cares.
- It’s one part Vodka, 3 parts orange juice. Not the other way around.
- Caffeine is bad. So are most of your favourite foods. Eat healthier. You’ll feel better!
Being 18 for me, was one giant learning experience. I moved out of home, I hooked up with the boy, I got my drivers license, I lost my Grandmother, I moved to Melbourne, I started university, I got my first real job… the list is endless. I loved being 18. That year was the best (and the worst) year of my life. My life now is built on those experiences and I’m actually pretty okay with where I’m at! :)
In finishing, do you have any advice you would you give your younger self? Given the opportunity would you change your life dramatically, or are you happy with how everything played out?
18 was huger for you than for me – I’m sure the moving away for uni thing makes it a bigger year than staying put.
I like the advice about the vodka though ;) Probably one that should pop up on your phone if you’re ever out past midnight :)
Interesting thoughts.
I’d only have this to say: Don’t be afraid to tell people what you think for fearing they’ll think less of you. If people don’t like you for who you are, they’re not worth bothering with.
[assuming that bit at the end is asking for input :P ]
The one about vodka rings so true for me, holy wow.
I’m not far past 18 right now, so I don’t have any advice for my slightly-younger self. Overall I guess I’m happy with how things played out, considering I’m doing what I want, and enjoying it.
If only it were 3 parts Vodka… heh.
I’d tell myself two things. “First, tell your dad he a has rare genetic heart problem. Second, even in university, a B is an unacceptable mark. Do not believe anyone who tells you otherwise.”
I’d be too tempted to cheat fate and enter the world into some sort of space-time continuum. There’s so many I’d like to tell myself at 18 but I think I’d rather let myself run wild otherwise I’d never learn from those mistakes. :P
I’d tell my 18 year old self that choosing between two prestigious institutions, and going with the one that gave me money instead of the one I was comfortable in, was stupid, because no amount of money or prestige can replace or substitute happiness. But erhaps it’s better that it turned out this way :)
I hated being 18. My life didn’t settle down till being at least 20, maybe 21.
Cool. I’d love to find out the title of that book and read it. I’ll drop into a Dymocks next week and seek it out
Oh please let me know if you figure out the name! I can’t believe I didn’t write it down! :p