There's nothing I have to say that Dr. Seuss hasn't already.
Still, if one were so inclined to glean from me any wisdom, I will impart the little I have accumulated over the course of the past few years:
1. Find a mentor.
As simple as this may sound, a mentor (or mentors) can become an invaluable resource of advice and guidance.
2. Listen.
I cannot stress enough the importance of listening. Most wisdom and learning happens when we listen. Most relationship building hinges on your ability to listen. Listen to friends, significant others, teachers, mentors, parents, listen. Even if you don't agree, listen. Take notes in class. Take notes in class. Take notes in class. Take notes in class . . .
3. Don't live your life for others.
This applies on many levels. Learning how to say "no" is one of the most important things, especially for people like me that love to help out or attend every invitation I get. Don't pay attention to people that don't like you for who you are. Don't let friends, significant others, and even family take up all your life and leave no room for other things.
4. Become involved.
Don't say "no" to everything. Being involved allows you to improve yourself, meet other people, and get that high that comes with accomplishing something.
5. Make a plan and stick to it.
Goal setting is one of the best things to happen to anyone. Long term plans are not flexible. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Pastor Rojas told me in a chat we had after he spoke for vespers that this question shows your ability to gauge your growth potential by the way you describe your plan.
6. Make a plan and destroy it.
Short term plans should never control your life. These are the ones you change and improve and keep molding according to how you grow.
7. Talk to others with experience.
Anyone that has been around longer than you have is fair game, even if "on paper" you have more experience.
8. Pick up a personal hobby.
Taking time out to sharpen the saw and be alone is something everyone should do. Read, bike, pick up an instrument, do math problems you make up yourself--possibilities are endless.
10. Challenge yourself.
Take a class that you would never take in a million years. Set an impossible project and finish it. The accomplishment is amazing, and you might learn a thing or two along the way.
11. Leave every person you touch better than you found them.
This one's pretty self-explanatory. Make a positive mark in everyone you meet.
Remember that every person is the most important person in the universe. Remember that you are the most important person in the universe. There's only one you in the entire vastness of the universe. There's only one of them in the entire vastness of the universe. Love God with all your mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
