An open letter to me when I was 19....

Recently, my best friend sent two pics of me she found in a random box from our college days. From the fashion and hair I'm dating them in early 1990's. Oh the things I wish I could tell the innocent 19 and 20 year old me, things that still apply to today's college students.

Yes I know today's world is much different than it was when I was in college.The hair and the jewelry are not as big and the world is digital and instant.  But the basics are still the same. So, what would the "mom me" tell the "college freshman me" with 27 years of perspective?

1. Trust your gut, if the situation doesn't feel right, walk away, and walk away quickly. Things can change in an instant, do not be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

2. Always have a friend or two you can trust. If you have one friend you can trust, keep that friend. Go to a party with that friend and leave with that friend. Never leave anyone behind. Make a pact and keep it. Do not ever leave anyone behind no matter what they say. Make a plan at the beginning of the night and stick with it.

Trust me on this one, do not leave your friends behind no matter who they are with or what they say. Stick with the plan. If you don't things will happen that you can not explain but you also will never forget.

3. Do not leave your drink unattended- ever. Hold it at all times and if it is out of your sight then just get a new one. It's that simple, the risk is not worth the potential consequences. If money is the problem your one true friend will always understand and I promise your mom will too, just talk to her.

4. Remember you are a work in progress, the freedom is great but you are just beginning. Don't be so hard on yourself, you are learning. Never forget who you and whose you are. Stay in touch with the people who have always believed in you and hold to tight to what you believe.

As my first born son heads to college in a few weeks I hope he remembers these four things. They are simple and basic and my years put them in crystal clear perspective.

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Grace and Peace, 
Misty