What I Wish They Had Told Me (& some advice)

Here's a small list of things I wish I had known when I moved to college:

1. People don't mature overnight. Almost everyone is as stupid and immature as they were in high school.
2. Drama doesn't end in high school. There is still a lot  of it in college.
3. People aren't watching your every move in college. They do watch some though. This leaves you with more room to royally screw up, so use your new freedom wisely.
4. Don't care what others think. Be who you want to be.
5 . Everyone is on an equal level in college. That 'popular kid' crap from high school doesn't exist. Embrace it.
6. Don't stress about making new friends. You'll have more than you can count very quickly.
7. Be open to meeting new people. It may be uncomfortable when you're sitting at a table with seven people you've never spoken to before, but you might just become best friends.
8. People have a lot of different views. I went to a small school where most people had the same views. When your college has a large population of foreign students, know that similar views won't happen.
9. Find a group where you fit in.
10. Get involved! try out clubs and organizations. If you don't like them, you can always cancel your membership.
11. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. Different views are what keep the world advancing.
12. Lean on your friends for support. At some point they will need you too.
13. Tell your friends that you love them. Some people are hard to read.
14. Some classes suck. Don't drop them just because you don't enjoy them. Fight through. You just might learn something.
15. There is so much more homework to do than there was in high school. Try to get it all done.
16.  Some professors are mean, some are boring, awkward, frightening,... If you can think of an unpleasant trait, there is most likely a professor who matches it.
17. Some professors are awesome! They enjoy teaching active learning styles to engage their students.
18. You will be uncomfortable in some classes. Deal with it.
19. Learn how to type quickly, and speed read. These skills will save you a ton of time.
20. Finals week is stressful. Don't procrastinate on studying. Use free time in the few weeks prior to finals to get a head start.
21. Take study breaks. They help you calm down and relax your mind for a bit.
22. Don't loose touch with old friends.
23. Don't forget to sleep and eat. You have to make time for these things.
24. Take advantage of free food. You're a broke kid. Don't be embarrassed to take hand outs.
25. Have fun. College is supposed to be some of the best times of yours life.

And last, but certainly not least, ALWAYS make time for your time with God. There is no way you can make it through without him.


Peace & Love,
Tabi

Summer Project Application

YAY!!!
The application is officially done. One reference is finished, the other will be soon. I have been procrastinating the application since November 1st, so today, I sat down and finished it. It was the most difficult application I have ever completed. A few of the questions are a bit awkward, but I guess the information is important. I'm so relieved to have it finished. Now I just have to dig up $25 to submit it.

Last weekend, OkState Cru had a stateside summer project meeting. It was awesome. I had been stressing about the money that is required, and everyone there totally encouraged me. They kind of explained the whole raising support process and told us about when they raised support. They also told us some stories from their time and project and gave us tips for when we go.
A few of my favorite tips:
Don't let money keep you from going.
Roadtrip to your location.
Ask for help.
Don't be afraid to ask EVERYONE for support.
Have fun!
Talk to your parents.
These are just a few of the tips that stuck out the most to me. I am so excited to go and give ten weeks of my summer to God.

SANTA CRUZ, HERE I COME!!!

Prayers & Love,
Tabi