Lessons Learned

"Everything in life comes as a blessing or a lesson. Sometimes both, but never neither."

It's been said that experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted. Now, I don't know how much I believe that statement, because some of the greatest experiences of my life have come from getting things I thought that I wanted. I've been high and I've been low, and I've learned incredibly important lessons from both. Two years ago, I was challenged to pen a list of some of the things I've learned, and I hope maybe I can shed some insight for you too.

I plan to add to and expand this list, so for now, just consider it a work in progress.

Lessons Learned

• Get a good night's sleep
• Set (multiple) alarm(s)
• Always leave home looking like you're going to see an ex or your worst enemy
• Get involved on campus and in the community
• Make sure there is always a camera around 
• Take matters into your own hands
• Organization, organization, organization
• Don't trust most people farther than you can throw them
• Attend sporting events
• And tailgates, and dances, and other social events
• Some of the most eloquent papers stem from procrastination
• Some of the worst papers stem from procrastination
• Your guidance department won't be the best guidance you receive
• Keep smiling
• You never know who is watching
• If you run into a tree - twice - Ultimate Frisbee probably isn't for you
• Teachers have more than just school subjects to teach you, listen to them
• Just because something is challenging, don't run away from it. Practice until you get it right
• Skip school every now and then
• Don't take the easy way out
• There's more to life than dating an athlete (or a frat star)
• No one remembers the nights when they got a full night of sleep
• Grade's aren't everything
• Don't let other people define who you are
• The goal should be to laugh as much as you breathe
• Turn your wounds into wisdom.
• Make friends everywhere you go, they could turn into the greatest people in your life
• You don't have to have everything figured out
• Don't put lava lamps on the stove
• Walmart at 3 AM is the most entertainment you can find in a small town
• McDonald's at that time is usually sketchy as all get out
• Hit the deer, the insurance won't pay if you swerve
• It's okay to get up and dress nicely in the morning for school. I promise.
• You'll find a time when you stop being embarrassed by just about everything
• Try your hardest to see the big picture 
• Driving fast is fun, but driving safely is better
• Relationships don't always last forever
• Your last name won't get you things in the real world
• High school is a time to be endured
• You might actually remember the fundamental theory of calculus
• Skype dates are a truly wonderful thing
• Lunch table conversations are one of the most honest things you'll ever hear
• Just laugh it off
• If you don't have fun, who will?
• Rainy days are the greatest for a pick-up football game
• Find a passion
• Act like a little kid - it's the best
• Having ambitions won't make you the most popular kid in high school
• Be nice to everyone, that's what they'll remember the most
• Don't sweat the small stuff... Too much
• Keep a journal
• Be a volunteer
• Driving around in your car or sitting near a body of water are great stress relievers
• Teachers hear everything
• Appreciate the little moments
• You don't have to be artistic, a little color goes a long way
• If something goes wrong, theres a good chance you're not the first one it has happened to
• Pay attention to road signs
• DUI checkpoints are terrifying even if you are driving sober
• Thank the members of our Armed Forces
• Music and quotes can express your feelings, even if you can't
• You don't have to be Bono or Bill Gates to change the world
• Go into new experiences with an open mind
• Never judge a book by its cover, in any situation
• SMILESMILESMILE
• Act like you're confident, even if you have no idea what you're doing
• Half-assing an activity because you're afraid looks so much worse than trying and failing
• Always keep a blanket, a pair of shoes, and jumper cables in your car
• Thank your parents for all they have done for you
• Stand up for yourself
• Identify your weaknesses
• When it rains, it pours - but it can't rain forever
• Some arguments just aren't worth the effort
• If your guy friends don't approve of a guy, they're probably onto something
• Don't let someone else ruin your friendships because you're in a relationship with them
• Life goes on
• Don't test a stapler on your finger. Or a pencil sharpener
• Believe it or not, there is a limit on the number of people you can fit ina revolving door
• Being punctual isn't a sin
• Being fashionably late every now and then isn't either
• A good scientist never has set expectations of results
• Take life one day at a time
• No one is perfect
• If at first you don't succeed, try again. And again. And again, until you get it right
• Think outside the box
• If it's cloudy, put your car windows up just in case
• Learn how to drive a manual transmission

The most important lesson that I've learned so far?

Just when you think you've got it all figured out - you learn something new.