Advice To My Younger Self

As the weather begins to turn, our team is focused once more on new beginnings. Maybe your year has some changes lying in wait, or maybe you’re keeping things mostly as-is and focusing your attention on the little things that matter most, like family and community. Or perhaps, you know a young woman who has her sights set on life after graduation. Maybe you have a little sprout of your own, already outgrowing the pajamas you just bought them. Or, you’re thinking about the next step in your career – navigating your dreams, discovering what drives you, and figuring out what comes next. Regardless of which of these best describes your journey in this moment, we hope our reflections on the advice we would share with our younger selves give you a little dose of inspiration…remember, it’s never too late!

Elizabeth: Two things: wear sunscreen and study abroad. I have few regrets in life but not studying abroad is one of them. I also wish that, as a young adult, I would have saved more money, and just had more money knowledge. I only know how to borrow it and spend it. 

Meaghan: Don't give up on math. I allowed myself from a very young age to be convinced that I am "just bad at math," and while math is certainly not my strong point, I definitely would have benefitted from spending time with more tutors to get comfortable working with math. Using a calculator or a spreadsheet for everything is just fine! What is important is being comfortable working with numbers, not being able to compute them seamlessly in your head.

Kim: Buy original art! If it speaks to you, make it yours. Your collection will capture your journey as you grow. 

Adrien: I would tell my younger self to create strong stress resilience practices early on so that other areas of her wellness (sleep, movement, food choices, calendar management) could flourish and she could find even greater joy in her days. Creating her stress resilience tools is the key to wellness! Many of us are tricked into thinking that restricting calories and hours of sweaty fitness classes will give us the results we want. Yet high levels of stress will actually make achieving wellness almost impossible, despite diet and exercise. Stress resilience improves mental health and physical health, and is a great act of self-care. 

Britt: Surround yourself with strong and supportive girlfriends! 

Johnny: Trust yourself and go with your gut when big decisions need to be made. You will make mistakes. Learn from them and apply this knowledge in the future – don’t make the same mistake twice. Discipline and good habits are the foundation for achieving great things in life. Take care of your body – eat healthily and form a good wellness routine. Your body will thank you. Save more than you spend every month. Invest early and often. And, remember to enjoy life!

Amanda: Design your home and wear your clothes with attitude! Don’t shy away from who you are, embrace it!