15 Women Share the Advice They’d Give Their 18-Year-Old Selves

Ah, 18. It’s the time of life when you’re, as the poet hath wrote, “not a girl, not yet a woman.” It’s when the future is equal parts scary and exciting, and you always wish you could talk to the future you just to see how things pan out.

And while we don’t have a time machine, we do have a few magic words of wisdom from the past five years of Soirée‘s classes of Women to Watch. (And yes, we need reminders of these thoughts just as much today as we did back when.)

 

“Don’t get the degree for the job you think will make you most employable. Instead, study what you love and then figure out how to make a living.”

Valerie Erkman

 

“The power of your words will always matter. Speak wisely and listen more.” 

Dr. Teri Cox

 

“You can’t do everything on your own. It’s ok to ask for help.”

Casey Finch

 

“Always set your goals high, meet them and then set higher goals.”

Natalie Hairston 

 

“Seek opportunities to help others fulfill their potential and their dreams.”

Lisa Ferrell

 

“Don’t be afraid of being assertive or refusing disrespect.”

Casey Kines

 

“Listen, 18-year-old Romona. You are enough. You are smart enough; strong enough and tough enough.”

Romona Davis

 

“Stay focused on achieving one goal at a time. You are not a good multi-tasker.”

Theresa Timmons-Shamberger

 

“Just breathe and do your best. After that, it’s out of your hands.”

Kathleen McDonald

 

“Do not be overly focused on one path to success. Be more open to all possibilities and know that there are many ways to reach your destination. And once you get there, don’t be surprised if you change your mind.”

Toni Gocke Wyre

 

“Skip the tanning bed and don’t cry over boys.”

Lauren Miller

 

“Seize opportunities when they appear, no matter how much unknown or uncertainty they present.”

 – Jean Block

 

“Always choose kindness and respect over personal gain.”

Rachel Haynes

 

“Forgive. Forgive again.”

Sara McClain

 

“Don’t worry, no one else really knows what they’re doing either.”

Heather Davis

 

 

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