College Advice

My sister graduated from good ole' Lone Peak High yesterday. It was so strange watching her as she sat on the stand, then waltz across the floor. She looked beautiful. She has so much ahead of her. I was so proud. I think I got more emotional than her as I listened to the speakers.
We went to dinner before the commencement ceremony at Yamato's. It's a family favorite of ours located on State Street. Hello sushi! My dad gave her a mac book pro... he is so generous. Then my mom and I put together a college survival basket.
We included things like, ramen, easy mac, note cards, note book, highlighters, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpies (to write your name on your food), tp, and other random fun things. So I maybe supplied her with THINGS that she would need to survive college. And I know I'm not her mom. But after four years of college, my ideas of how to survive college are pretty fresh. I thought I'd write them down, so as to not forget (when I got back to school in the fall), and for her. I know she will read this.

1. Wash your dishes. It's a pain and you may get sick of it, but do it.
2. Wash your roommates dishes. But wait a couple months cuz then they'll just expect that of you. And they have to learn too.
3. If your roommates and you are not singing songs everyday in the kitchen (aka something is wrong), serve them. Do their dishes.
4. Make your bed. (Mom was always right)
5. and don't do your homework on your bed. It will mess with your mind and throw off your sleep pattern.
6. Speaking of sleep. Do it. At least before one am on the weekdays. Unless there is something super cool going on, most times you'll just wonder why you spent the morning running around, going to taco bell and chasing deers.
7. Go to all your classes. Especially when you don't want to
8. Go to church. Go to all your activities. Go to FHE, even if you're busy. Be involved in your ward. If your ward isn't great, it's probably because your effort isn't great.
9. Date a lot of boys. Meaning, go on dates with them. Unless they are RM's. Then you can run away and tell them it's because I told you so.
10. Have a dinner group or something with your roommates so you don't have to find something to cook every night. Cook together on Sunday's. And cook. Try a new recipe every week. Don't do the frozen stuff.
11. Take a lunch to school. Yes, you will get sick of PB&J, but your wallet will be fatter.
12. Be in a study group for your classes and most definitely for tests.
13. Talk to your professor's. Most students don't so they favor those that take the courage and time to become acquainted with them.
14. Sit in the front of the classroom.
15. Live the honor code in every way. The Lord was the one who authored it.
16. Call your mom, especially when you're walking home in the dark.
17. Smile when you walk around campus and say "hi" to strangers. Unless they are RM's.
18. Stay on campus all day. You are a full time student. Go to the library. Read a book, make friends. Just don't go home!
19. Say your prayers and read your scriptures. Go to the temple. Simple Gospel=simple basics.
20. It's okay if you cry after you see your first score at the testing center, especially if it's american heritage.
21. Look for ways to serve.
22. Listen to your professors even more than your friends.
23. Come see Tanner and I sometimes.
24. Try out a class that's difficult for you.
25. Have fun and be yourself. Others will come to love you as I do. Not as much, but they will love you. Because you are wonderful. Really, you are.

Isn't college wonderful? I am so proud of my sister. I am so happy that we will be at college together. She's really cool.