MICHELLE'S LIFE TIPS
#1 Managing the present takes care of the future
And how do I know this? Simply by being a student. In middle school, I started studying French and I continued in high school. It was certainly nerve-wracking every day, but also, so rewarding! All you have to do is study, and your reward will result in astounding grades, a great teacher-student relationship, and a comprehensive understanding of the material. I am now in college and part of my major is French -- something I never would have expected.
​
#2 Call your grandma
Seriously, just sit down and do it. From time to time, my uncle and I exchange letters. At the end of one of his letters, he said something to me I've never forgotten since: "And, gotta say: my mom is in Heaven every time her grandkids call. So continue that and take a special moment to ring her up. She's in great health, but is also nearly 93...and ya never know."
​
#3 Write everything down
It seems like this has been something I've been doing since Day 1. I've just always been a writer. I've always taken copious notes in class, I write everything in a calendar, I love writing hand-written cards to my family and friends (not just for holidays and birthdays but just because!) and I have a little notebook that I take around with me in which I jot down ideas. Simple, but heed my advice. Writing everything down has never failed me and I've never missed a class, or an appointment because of it.
​
#4 Keep a calendar
Something I learned from my mom. This is just a life necessity, point-blank. A calendar on your phone, a wall calendar, a desk calendar, a planner, an agenda -- there are many options. If you don't have a calendar, get one. You will never miss an appointment, a date, a class, a workout, or an interview. More importantly, you'll be known as a reliable and accountable friend.
​
#5 Be Yourself
I have a sign above my desk: "Be Michelle." Yes, this is way easier said than done. We've all been hearing and seeing this well-known phrase since we were kids. We've seen it on stickers, on magnets, and on classroom signs. As an emerging adult, I'm realizing that this saying is more important now than ever before. Comparing does nothing but drag you down. It degrades your personality, your wants, and your wishes. Realize that there are always going to be people on the totem pole above you and below you. That's how life works! It's up to you to decide your life track, no one else.
​
#6 Read
If there's one thing my Dad instilled in me, it's to read. Reading has been something that's been ingrained in me since childhood and I'm forever thankful for that. Reading makes you wiser, it allows you to understand your shortcomings and how to overcome them, it educates you, and it allows you to understand other people's struggles. There's one thing someone can never take away from you and that's an education. So, do that on your own, with books!
​
#7 Happiness doesn't always mean happiness
The one thing that people always strive for in life is to be happy. People want to love what they do and do what they love. That's the dream, isn't it? However, it's important to realize that the road to happiness is going to have some bumps, hurdles, and roadblocks. That accounting class may be extremely difficult, to the point of you almost failing it. You'll think, what's the point if I'm failing? Why should I even try? Well, try again. Try harder. That challenging class is going to make you a more resilient, and determined human being. Two qualities that you need on the road to happiness. Because happiness isn't just something that happens, it's a journey that you need to constantly work at and put effort into.
​
#8 Make a Decision and Be Content
If there's one thing I'm horrible at, it's making decisions. I'm one of those most indecisive people on the planet. Why? Because I'm a people-pleaser. For example, I really wanted to take a certain history course because I wanted to complete my minor. However, the course wasn't too interesting, it was a ton of work, and the teacher was questionable. What's more, I don't really need the minor to graduate, it's just for fun. So, what did I have to lose? Nothing! But, for some reason, I couldn't drop the class. In the end, I did, but the guilt still ate at me. I felt like a failure and a let-down. I felt that the professor looked down at me. I don't give on things! I'm Michelle. But eventually, you just have to move on your life and be happy with your decisions. So that's what I did.