What advice would you give your 19 year old self?

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Im 19 years old and pretty much just thinking about the future and where I will end up in my career. I was wondering, what would YOU tell your 19 year old self back then? or if so, now? or later on?

I just turned 19 in July and what I have learned from reading all of the comments is to stay single! It seems like the recurring theme of these comments is relationship regrets.

I wouldn't say that. The right SO for you is one who will support your schooling and career decision. I'm not opposed to getting into a relationship while in school. The key is to be smart about it. Don't let him/her talk you out of your goals or make them seem trivial. Don't compromise your education, because your education is your ticket to independence--that's the main underlying theme here.

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

I made all the major life altering decisions of my life before I was 22. When I was too stupid to know how stupid I was.

I'd tell myself to slow down. There is no hurry. There are approximately 80 years to fill up, to make a life.

Put off some of those milestones until you're 30, because 30 is still young.

Be happy and fulfilled by yourself, before you pick somebody to share your life.

Be brutally honest with yourself about choices you make, and the reasons you make them.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

1) Rock on with your blue hair, girl! This is the time in your life to do it!

2) That boy is an idiot. Dump him!

3) Get yourself to the gym! Your future self will thank you for finally taking an interest in exercise.

4) Don't worry, you may not be considered the hottest now, but they'll hit on you like it's your birthday in your late 20s and early 30s.

5) Have you considered med school?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, OB, ICU, Public Health Nursing.

At 19, I was half way through RN/BSN program. A great move that has served me well throughout my life. I was also engaged and divorced at 23, a bad move. Concentrate on the studies, true love will come later.

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Go to college and get a degree in something you truly love. Don't party, you can do that after you graduate. Get in and out of college as fast as you can and start your career. Move at least one state away from your family. Immediately start preparing for retirement. So don't buy that BMW or live in a rental palace. Keep current in your field of work. Don't think you have to get married and have children right away. Love will happen when it happens.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

More attention to school, less attention to partying.

and

Don't get into debt.

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I would not proudly avoid getting my nursing degree until I was 41, then I would have disobeyed my new husband and gottwn my RN after My LPN, because 11 years later I have to retake Micro and A & P, And we lost our church building for lack of money and lack of LPN jobs during the Obama recession.

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Get a degree in nursing (BSN). Get a degree in computer science. Specialize in nursing informatics, its a wide open growth oriented field.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
You made the right choice. Sometimes it drives me nuts thinking about the fact that I could have been a nurse with a couple years experience by now if I'd been smarter.

Yes, but now that you know better, you will do better, right?

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I would tell my 19 year old self to go to class :sniff:. Retaking classes later in life is no fun.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Relax, stop worrying about your siblings and dad, they will be fine

You are half way through your 4 year degree, go you!

Stop with the self doubt, guys actually like you it is not for a bet

However, lose the weight, despite your heritage potatoes are not your friend]/b]

Your savings are awesome

LOL, Irish on my Mom's side, so I fully relate.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I would not proudly avoid getting my nursing degree until I was 41, then I would have disobeyed my new husband and gottwn my RN after My LPN, because 11 years later I have to retake Micro and A & P, And we lost our church building for lack of money and lack of LPN jobs during the Obama recession.

Wow! I had no idea Obama was responsible for the lack of LPN jobs. He really is evil incarnate, isn't he?

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