Real Life, by Teal Takayama
Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Done.

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Well, the year went by way fast. Next year is going to be hard because half the people I know will be gone in the fall, and I’ll be (hopefully) going abroad to South Africa in the Spring. I guess it makes you realize how friends come and go, in and out of your life. I know it doesn’t mean they’re gone, but things will be different without them.

Overall I must say I am satisfied with the year. I definitely feel that I’ve grown as a person and a student, and I care much more about school than I did at this time last year. Also, I feel pretty lucky to have my weekly events so well documented—has it been a year already? Writing blogs has just become a part of my routine.

So, all you prospective students out there…I believe you’ve already made your decisions (so maybe I shouldn't say "prospective"). I have only a few pieces of advice, the rest is up to you to find out on your own.

First, be yourself. In my experience, the people that are most disliked are the ones who try to act like someone they’re not. People just don’t like putting up with that. And I’m not saying everyone should strive to be liked, but it’s also a lot easier to be real than fake.

Secondly, be open-minded. There’s just no reason not be.

Third, don’t bring every single item in your possession. It makes packing up to go home really, really difficult. I’ve had to throw away sooo much because it just didn’t fit in my suitcase/boxes for storage. Anyway, if you leave things at home, it makes going back to them more fun.

Okay, so it’s really hard not to be sentimental at the end.

Best of luck to everyone, and I’ll keep checking my email so hit it up if you’re pondering one of the many intricacies of life. I will try to help.

Best Regards (and yay I’m a Junior now)...it's been real--

Teal