11. Professors love proactive students. And when you talk to them, ask questions, engage in class, and seek their guidance, you build a rapport that may lead to job opportunities, increased confidence, and better communication with adults.
12. Learning to manage stress is a gift you give yourself. Having academic pressures and adult responsibilities is a lot to juggle. Finding ways to decompress and deal with stress – e.g. exercising, praying, listening to music, spending time in nature, sleeping well, eating well, taking breaks with friends, and keeping a gratitude journal – can help keep you calm instead of overwhelmed.
13. You were made to chase your dreams, not boys. While boys are clearly a part of your world, it’s unhealthy to make them the center of your world. Pursue your passions instead and build a great life for yourself. Become the girl who eventually attracts the right guys as they notice you and think, “Wow. She’s awesome. She’s the total package: pretty, smart, talented, and kind. I want to be part of her world. I want to know her better.”
14. Knowing when you may be tempted to compromise your values helps you stand strong. Usually when we fall into poor habits, it’s because we don’t think ahead or set personal standards. Common times for college girls to cave are freshman year (when you’re excited and caught up in the taste of freedom) and sophomore year (when the novelty of you and your friends wears off, and the attention shifts to the new college girls on campus). Knowing your trigger points can help you avoid the people or situations that make it hard to say No.
15. God’s grace is bigger than any mistake you make. Your mistakes don’t define you. If you happen to wake up one day and can’t believe who you’ve become – or if you’re simply disappointed in yourself – ask God to forgive you. Turn the page and choose better next time. God’s mercies are new each morning, and regardless of what happened yesterday, today can be a different story.
