5 Things I wish I Knew After Graduating From High School

Now that you graduated high school, what should you do now? When all the goodbyes and cherishing your last days in high school is now over, you need to look forward and see where to go from where you are currently at. It has been almost a decade now since I graduated high school. Looking back, there are things that I wished I already knew long before I stepped to college. So for those who freshly graduated from high school, please read my 5 things I wished I already knew after my high school years.

Table of Contents

1. I wish I knew my calling early in life

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3).

I took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in college. It was a somewhat sudden decision in my part and never deeply thought of what course I should take. I took up nursing because at that time many of my friends are taking it. Nurses are highly in demand and I thought it is a perfect course for me. While I really didn’t regret my decision, I just wished I chose a college degree that really fits my personality, attitude, and passion.

For students who are going to college, please remember that whatever course you are going to take, make sure that it is really your choice. Never let other people make the choice for you. Yes, listen to their advice and insights, but after that, remember that it is still YOU who is going to suffer or enjoy the consequences of your decision. So make the decision and be responsible enough to own it.

2. I wish I knew how to wisely choose my friends

“Do not be led astray; bad companionships ruin good habits” (I Corinthians 15:33).

College is a whole different world compared to high school. There’s a big chance as well that you might be living your hometown to enroll to your desired college campus. Whatever college you might choose, remember to choose your friends wisely.

Since I was in my first college year, I am so eager to fit in. To my want to be desired, I mingled with the wrong people. Eventually, I found myself spending many hours playing DOTA in computer shop.

Those people you spend your time with will sooner or later influence you. Choose which of them will make a positive impact in your life. Friends can either make or break you. Don’t forget that.

3. I wish I knew how to defend my moral values

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (I Peter 3:15).

There’s no doubt that this world’s educational system is founded in paganism. In fact, the Greeks are credited to have started our modern school system. Thus, if you found yourself defending your moral values in high school, you will even be more tested in college.

When I was a freshman, we are taught of the Theory of Evolution. How I wish I knew already how to defend my faith to my professor. I was just there listening without even thinking how wrong our professor was!

There are also sexual immoral behaviors that are prevalent in college campuses. It doesn’t mean that you should also do what most people are doing. You need to make a stand and be a light to the world.

4. I wish I knew how to take advantage of different learning avenues in college

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15).

For me, the course I took is too difficult. With all the projects, memorizations, duties, and others, I did not realize that there are a lot of things that I can learn outside the four walls of my classroom. I somewhat regretted that I was never active in other extra-curricular activities. Those are some precious gems that I did not recognize along the path of my college years.

My advice for you is that don’t limit yourself. While you primarily need to pass your course subjects, give time to other areas of your life that you can improve on. Never forget to put Godly wisdom first over worldly education.

5. I wish I knew how difficult it is to be a college student

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

There are a lot of challenges you will need to face during your college years. Don’t worry. This is a sign that you are doing something worthwhile. When I took up nursing, I heard how difficult this course is, but it is a different experience when you are really in the situation.

You will not only endure your major subjects, but also have to experience being away from your parents, having to struggle to make ends meet with your money, deal with personal issues and other things.

But DON’T give up. When all things are said and done, when you finally climb up the stage to get your diploma, you can look back at the past few years and confidently say… “It’s all WORTH it!”

Conclusion

In the final analysis, college is exciting and at the same time, frightening. Not knowing what lies ahead can cause anxiety. However, just take one step at a time. Undeniably, my four years in college is among the most exciting and life-changing chapters in my life. So live and enjoy it. But don’t forget to always put God first in your life. You’ll be happier if you will!

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