Life is a fascinating journey, filled with both successes and setbacks. As we navigate through its twists and turns, we often reflect upon the choices we’ve made and wonder if we could have done things differently. While I would never want to go back and change my past, I wanted to share with you some valuable advice I would give to my 20-year-old self. Here are three crucial pieces of wisdom that I would impart:
1. **Drop Out of College:**
Many of you probably don’t know (because frankly it’s irrelevant) that I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. What was I thinking? Well, I wasn’t. I was listening to the advice of my Dad: “Go to college and get a degree so you can get a good job.” I 
look back now and think, “What does that even mean?” Not knowing any better, I followed his advice and got a degree in something I would literally never use in my life. Sure I learned that lizards cannot run and breathe at the same time & that a turtles have a closed circulatory system, but I also got myself $10,000 in student debt to pay back. 🥴 Sound familiar?
If I had the chance, I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to consider alternatives to the standard college route. Rather than adhering to societal expectations, I would encourage exploring other avenues that align with personal interests and talents. Unless you want to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, etc., YOU DO NOT NEED A COLLEGE DEGREE.
This comes full circle now as I sit for interviews and currently employ 75 people. As an employer, I couldn’t care less if an individual’s resume has a college degree listed on it. I am far more interested in the candidates’ hands-on experience and their ability to learn. I have seen far too many people interview with me who have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, but after 4 years of studies, they actually have no idea what they are talking about because they have no real-world experience. Now they are left searching for a job that will pay enough to cover their student loan payments, and they won’t find it because they have no actual experience. So they end up being hired for far less than what they “feel they deserve.”
2. **You Don’t Need to Be in a Relationship:**
Why did I feel I needed a boyfriend in my early 20s? I still can’t answer that question, but I can tell you that my need to be in someone’s company overshadowed personal growth and self-discovery. I would advise my younger self to prioritize self-love and individual development before seeking companionship. Being single doesn’t equate to being incomplete; it’s an opportunity to focus on personal goals, passions, and friendships. It’s crucial to remember that true happiness comes from within and is not solely dependent on external relationships. If you don’t recognize this you will find yourself in a vicious cycle of dating, breaking up and then feeling depressed. Break the cycle and learn to be happy ALONE.
3. **Partying Doesn’t Pay the Bills:**
OOO GIRL! I was that underage Chippewa bar hopper who would stay out until last call every Friday and Saturday. The allure 
of parties and social events can be tempting, especially in your youth. However, it’s vital to realize that constant partying doesn’t contribute to long-term success. Instead of spending time and resources on fleeting experiences, I would advise my younger self to channel that energy into establish
ing a stable financial foundation. I had no business going out until 4 am and then paying for it by being hungover and exhausted the next day. I should have been focusing on my personal development. Maybe I would have started my business much earlier in life had I been a bit more mature and actually set some goals for myself in my early 20s.
Reflecting on the advice I would offer my younger self, I’m struck by the realization that these insights could have significantly altered my trajectory toward success. Would I have become an entrepreneur sooner? I would say yes, but in the moment, I lacked the maturity to even consider being self-employed. It’s essential to remember that regrets are a natural part of life, and our journeys are shaped by the choices we make, both good and bad. While I may wish I had known these lessons sooner, I acknowledge that every experience contributes to personal growth and development. The journey to success is not a linear path but a series of lessons that mold us into the individuals we become. So, as I reflect on what could have been, I also recognize that my current successes are a product of the unique journey I’ve taken, and for that, I am grateful.
