Published in The Courier (Trinity's School Paper)

According to DonMilleris.com, age 20 is the new junior high. Not everyone is in their 20’s yet on campus, but you are all close enough to it that this pertains to you. College is an easy time to slip into a habit of laziness and carelessness. In the midst of trying to create new habits and friends, naps, computer time and insecurities tend to take over. Sounds like junior high all over again.

DonMilleris.com gives some ideas to keep us out of this junior high frenzy and I happen to think that if you take heed to these things you will be on your way to a “successful” or at least promising future.

Lose your friends: I know you just made new ones, but seriously take a look at who you are hanging with. Is that what you want to be identified with? Are your friends lazy? Are your friends what you came to Trinity not to be? Are your friends’ gossips? It is okay to be picky with friends; after all, they are a big influence.

Read Books: Start with actually reading your text books; after all you did pay a lot for them. And if you want to be extra ambitious pick one book and make it your goal to finish it within the semester. Books make you smarter and wiser.

Write down your goals for the next 5 years, 1 year, 1 month, and 1 week: If you don’t have anything to reach for you probably won’t go very far. Just keep in mind that all of these things may not come true, but if you fail to plan you plan to fail. Plus, there is something wonderful about physically checking off something you have accomplished.

Ask your parents/mentors for criticism: We need to be a people who are willing to take instruction. Although we may be offended with their response, it is a great way to find out what others really think about you and where you can improve.

Accept Hardship: I will just take the words from Don, “Hardship is part of every life, and God intends it to purify you and prepare you. If you reject hardship, you reject life.”

Accomplish Something: Take a look at your major or your passions in life. Make time to do a mini project of this passion. Don gives the example,”if you want to make films, then make a short film and enter it into a contest.” If you want to be a writer, write for the courier. If you want to be a teacher, volunteer to teach Sunday school every once in a while; the regulars would appreciate the break. Just accomplish something that you are passionate about, you will feel more like an adult.