Thoughts about turning 30

This isn't exactly how I imagined turning 30. Okay, not at all. I always thought that when I turned 30 I would be a lot smarter. Turns out I'm not. I'm sure that this doesn't come as a surprise to anyone but me. Here is what I would tell my 20 year-old self.

Dear Kara at 20,

Savor those naps. They are blissful and won't happen as frequently the older you get. Staying up to 1:30 am to finish your homework? Those days are numbered too. In fact, 1:30 am is going change from being a social time to being a time you would hate to be awake. Trust me, 20 year-old Kara, it's true!

Pay attention during class. You might actually need to use some of that information later on in life. Especially in biblical studies. You don't want to be the only one left out of the eschatology discussion! But then again, most of the skills you'll need to get yourself a job aren't going to come from a text book. Okay, you can think twice about paying attention in class. Work on remembering people's names and store away bits of your conversation to talk about later. This will come in handy.

Cherish the friendships you are making. College is this sweet time when you are surrounded by community and people who are all looking for friends too. Post-college community is possible, but it's a lot harder and takes more effort. Those friendships are equally enriching, but to make them go you're going to have to be more intentional. Stay in one spot. Kara, you are flitting around meeting lots of people, but you need a solid core. Stop being happy with lots of acquaintances and try pouring into just a few people. Acquaintances will come and go, but a good group of girl friends are forever.

Your parents want to do the best for you that they know how. They might not know exactly how to go about doing that, but they just want to ensure that you are happy and that you don't move back in with them after college. There's a reason why it's called "leaving the nest" so get your act together, learn how to manage your finances and be responsible.

Above all Kara, try to enjoy life as it is right now. Not how you wish it was or what it will be like 10 years down the road. Enjoy the here and now because you will never get back those moments again.

Love,
Your 30 year-old self

PS - the guy you are dating presently? Yep, you are going to marry him. He's pretty cool and will put up with all your hang-ups about turing 30. Be nice to him, he's going to support you and your wacko dreams.