Throwback Thursday

As I enter my senior year in college I've constantly been looking back through old photos and memories of my earlier years through undergrad. I really can't believe how far I've come since I entered college in 2012, I feel like there are a lot of posts and videos out in the world wide web about this but I just cannot help but agree with them.

When I started my undergrad career, I told myself that I had to start living with no regrets and to just do whatever I wanted because this is the best time for me to be able to do this. Three years later, and I think that I have been able to say that I kept up that mantra and have no regrets over anything, academically and personally.

Of course, there are some things I wish that younger Carla could have known rather than figuring it out the hard way but that seems to be the only way to learn sometimes. There are so many things that I never thought I would have had to go through, but I am certain that had they not I would not be as happy with myself and my life as I am now. I ended my high school relationship, my next boyfriend broke up with me, but then I met my current boyfriend and I honestly could not be happier. I also switched majors when I told myself that I would not have to because I was certain of what I was entering college with. Of course, like most people, it was not what made me happy. Thankfully I found a major and a path to follow that I enjoy and can see myself working in the field happily till (hopefully early) retirement. If I could go back to 2012 Carla though, I think I would tell myself at least this little piece of advice:

1. No matter how happy you may be in a relationship, do not let it become your entire life. There are so many other great things and people out there for you.
2. Even though you want to enjoy college and have fun, remember you do not want to pay to take a class for the second time that you definitely should have earned an A in.
3. Definitely take criticisms more lightly and remember, they are just trying to help you. If they are not trying to help you, then just take what they say and move on because you do not need to let that affect your happiness.
4. You actually will still wait till you turn twenty-one before you drink alcohol for the first time and you will be happy you did that. Forget about all the annoying questions you get about why you chose to not drink at parties and just enjoy the party more.
5. It is completely okay that you did not hear back from that internship and got turned down by another, just keep applying because you'll get that internship you want later on. Do not let rejection discourage you and prevent you from applying to every single opportunity you get to put your foot in the door in your field.

Now let's get back to reality, because I know myself and if future Carla told me what to do I would pay no attention and say that no one can tell me what to do, even my future self. I hope you guys enjoyed this more personal post of mine and share some things with me that you wish you could tell your younger self, now prepare yourself for photos of younger me. Till next time!

xo, Carla Mae