6. You always have a choice. You don’t “have” to do anything you know isn’t right. It’s okay to leave a party that’s getting too wild. It’s okay to ditch a date who’s being disrespectful. Think for yourself, be a leader, and look out for those around you.
7. Take care of your friends. If a friend is not thinking clearly, then think clearly for her. This may mean taking away her car keys so she can’t drink and drive. Or pulling her back before she leaves with a strange boy. Or calling her parents when she has a serious problem that needs attention. Love your friends as you hope they’d love you.
8. College can be a time to either neglect your faith or take it to a new level. Taking it to a new level gives you something to cling to. It provides an anchor that can center you and remind you of what’s real, right, and true.
9. Loneliness can sneak up on you at the oddest times, and this is completely normal. With so many changes and uncertainties, you may occasionally miss the stability of home and the familiarity of your old life. These growing pains of becoming an adult happen to everyone, and talking yours out with someone can help you feel less alone.
10. Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes wide open and your radar up. If you feel someone watching you – or someone gives you a bad vibe – stay away from them. Avoid placing yourself on their path or getting in situations that might make you a target, like jogging alone at night. Also, consider taking a self-defense class with friends. Knowing in advance how to protect yourself could make all the difference in helping you escape an evil encounter.
