We’ve seen this theme on Facebook and MySpace… what would you say to your 16-year old self if you could travel back in time and give yourself advice?  Trailer Park Refugee has a few thoughts,

Settling for a generic state university is a reasonable safety net, and will work out just fine.  However, those recruiters from MIT, Carnegie Mellon and the US Military Service Academies that come to visit you next year aren’t just being nice to you. Regarding the military academies?  You can do the push ups.  Trust me.   There will come a point in your career where you work with some folks who chased those dreams.

Caution – there is some strong language in the post.

What would you tell your 16-year old self if you could?  I’d have plenty to say,

• When you get to college, you’ll find yourself at a cross-road.  Remember, you did the right thing not dropping out for the dude you were engaged to.  Keep your chin up!
• Just because you’re the first one in your family to go to college doesn’t mean that a “C” is good enough.  Stop playing and start studying!
• When you do have children, go ahead and be STRICT.  They really do need parameters, rules.
• The guy you mooned over for two years?  Stop wasting your time and try to notice the other good people around you because he’s not the only one who can make you laugh.
• That picture of you in the 9th grade? You’ll have a daughter who looks exactly like that… with your same strong opinions and personality. Good luck with that!

Again, what would you say?