Graduation 2017: My top 5 pieces of advice for college

After three years of hard work and dedication, I am officially a graduate of The University of Tennessee! Wow. It still feels so weird saying that. It's also weird hearing someone say they finished in three years right?! S/o to dual enrollment and summer classes (if you're in high school get as many college credits as you can). 

I'm really excited about writing this post because as I'm sitting here thinking about my time at UT, I'm thinking about how much I have grown (and still growing) as a person. I've always been mature for my age, but it's crazy how I react to different situations now compared to my freshman year. I've learned to become an adult-ish, problem solver, kinder person, and most importantly, myself. Learning to become the person I should be instead of the person I think I should be has been so rewarding and a boost of confidence. In high school, I think a lot of people feel like they should be a certain way to "fit in" or look "cool". I know I did. I cared about what people thought of me, I was self conscious about the most ridiculous things, and I let things get to me that shouldn't. These are things that I can now say I have overcome and it's because of my time spent in college. Which leads me to my top 5 pieces of advice for college! 

1. Be yourself. You're in a new place, meeting new people, having new experiences. Don't waste it on trying to be someone you're not. There are people in college who completely lose themselves because they want to be known or "popular". I've seen it happen. People are afraid of what someone might think or say about them, or they try way too hard to get guys to notice them. And the worst... holding on to the past. Why waste your time trying to be someone you're not, during the time of your life where you're supposed to be finding yourself? 

2. Get involved. Whether that's in a sorority, club, religious group, or something tied to your major, get involved in something! Being a part of a group gives you a great chance to get to know people, make lifelong friends and give you things to do while in school. I joined a sorority and made a few very close friends and now know so many amazing women. I was not very involved in my sorority for my last year in school however. But that's because I was even more involved with my job working  for Tennessee's SEC Network crew. This is where I found some of my best friends, and they made my college experience better than I ever thought it could be. 

3. Get out of your comfort zone. Is there something you've always been nervous about doing? Well your time in college is the best time to branch out and try new things. During my sophomore year I started weight lifting and fell in love! It was not something that I even cared about in high school. Starting my blog was probably the biggest thing I did as far as getting out of my comfort zone. I was so nervous about it and put it off for two years. Now I'm so glad I started one! 

4. Take care of your body. Listen, I enjoy going out and having fun and ending my night with a Cookout tray too, but girlfriends that's not the kind of habits you need to get! Sure, every now and then won't hurt. But drinking three nights straight a week and ending each night at a fast food restaurant will only make your health decline. Instead, find ways to stay active and healthy during your time in school. If you don't like running, maybe try a cycling class or some kind of group fitness class to do with your friends. Find healthy eating habits. Pack your lunch for class instead of grabbing Chick fil a because it's quick. And the biggest thing... WASH YOUR FACE! Every night. Even the crazy nights. You'll thank yourself in the morning!

5. And finally, have fun. Don't let things stress you out so easily. Go out with friends. But most importantly, work hard in school. Go to class.  You're paying to be there ;)

Y'all I know this post is long but I'm almost finished! I just want to thank everyone who supported me during my time in school and now. I couldn't thank my parents enough for all they have done for me. Thank you to my boyfriend, Jordan, for standing by me these three years and being my rock through it all. For my friends and anyone else who has been a part of my life during this time, THANK YOU! 

Instagram: @timinem_19 and @Isaacjfowler

Big shoutout to these two guys for taking my graduation pictures! These guys are two of my closest friends and I couldn't be more thankful to have them in my life! Not to mention that they are crazy talented behind the camera. If you're in the East Tennessee area and need a videographer, definitely hit these guys up. 

Check out their video, "More Than A Mascot" here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4S0ez5gTZk&t=292s