4 Things I Want You to Know As You Graduate

It seems like just yesterday that you’d cuddle up beside me on the couch, sounding out words during our nightly ritual of reading together, as recommended by your kindergarten teacher.

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Now you sit, with a laptop on your knee, applying for scholarships, admissions, and housing for college.  It’s crazy how you are still that little girl, full of spirit, always making us laugh and yet, a self-assured, lovely and compassionate young woman planning for her future.

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As you inevitably leave the nest and embark on your first year of college, here are some things I want you to know as you graduate high school:

1. Your friendships are important. 

You’ve been blessed with a tight-knit group of the same friends for several years now.  While some of these friendships may change due to the fact that you’ll be a 45 minute drive away from each other (instead of literally just a few houses apart), school breaks will be like a mini reunion with these girls.  Look forward to the laughter, road trips, group texts, and late night get-togethers as you and your high school friends catch up on life and are there for each other in a new season.  But also, don’t be afraid to make new friends.  College will be full of fascinating people and finding “your crew” will shape and enrich your college experiences.  Many of these friendships will stand the test of time.

2. Don’t be afraid to take initiative.

It will take more effort to solve problems.  Don’t just sit and wait for things to get better.  You may need to make an appointment with your professor to better understand an assignment, so find out her office hours and show up (but not at the very last minute!) If something’s concerning you about your suite-mate, take time to talk with your RA.  Lost your student ID?  Find out if you need to report this and how/where to get another one made.  Tired of Netflix binges with your roommate?  Go down the hall and see who wants to go grab coffee.  There are plenty of resources at your disposal, you will just have to seek them out. Do it.

3. Take care of yourself, but don’t get wrapped up in yourself. 

If you start to feel run down, eat better and go to bed earlier.  Go to the doctor if you need to.  Maybe even take vitamins.  (Gasp!)  If you find yourself in full-out self-pity or panic mode, get some perspective.  Put down your phone and go outside, maybe join in a game of frisbee for a minute in beautiful weather.  Grab a friend and go for a jog.  (Stop for an Icee on your way back, if you want.)  Call me, your sister, your dad, or that friend that’s like an older brother.  Take time to serve at church, an at-risk school, or just volunteer to pet-sit for a friend.  Then go back to your room or the library, focus, and kick some college butt!

4. Home may feel different, but come home anyway.

We will be missing you like crazy so seeing your face from time to time and getting a text or phone call from you will do your parents and sisters a world of good.  We are your biggest fans and want to give you space as you become more independent, but definitely want to be your inner circle.

And if you ever want to cuddle next to me on the couch on one of your visits home…I won’t mind.

Proud of you, sweet girl.  Love you like crazy.

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Melissa Brown
I have been a proud Okie for over 35 years and love being the wife of my hunky husband, David, and a mom to our three daughters, two in their 20’s and one in elementary school! I spend my weekdays in the Greater Oklahoma community as a non-profit executive and my evenings as a soccer mom, grocery shopper, overall family supporter/organizer, adventurer, book enthusiast, friend, and occasional Netflix binger. My first two loves are Jesus and family, with coffee and caramel also making the list, right after friends and travel, and being a part of OKCMB.

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