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Mitch Harrison

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What should I really do with my youth? I'm 18, and I want to really learn. Advice from any adults out there?

I am a senior in high school, just two weeks from graduation. If I end up going to college, I know that I definitely want to take a year or so off. I want to really learn things first hand. I want to see the world and study cultures and people. If anyone out there has been there and can reflect back, I would love to hear from you. What should I study? Where should I go? What should I really think about? I want to give the rest of my life a boost and give myself a solid foundation in my youth. Thank you in advance for your help.

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    May 22 2012: Hi Mitch,
    The first thing I suggest, is to take the words "should" and "shouldn't" out of your vocabulary. As John says...many will tell you their opinions and tell you what you "should" do. Listen to the information, sift through it, then listen to your heart. Life can be an adventurous exploration, traveling has been an incredible eye opener for me and has been one of the most educational experiences of my life. And I don't mean staying in hotels, eating in resturants. The most interesting and rewarding experiences have been while interacting with people and genuinely exploring their culture.

    I also like what John says about stopping the search once in awhile and just "BE" in the moment. I percieve life as hills and valleys...mountains and plateaus. Sometimes, I am vigerously climbing the mountain, then I stop and rest on the plateau to ponder and take in the wonder of the climb:>)

    You said you want to take a year off...you want to learn things first hand...you want to see the world and study cultures and people. In my humble perception, you already HAVE a solid foundation my friend:>)

    Where do you want to go? Sit back, relax, empty your mind of thoughts, and quietly ask yourself....where do I want to go? There is no "wrong" answer. Every journey begins with a single step. Listen to your heart and use the logical mind to figure out the details....enjoy the life journey:>)
    • May 23 2012: Thank you for this input, Colleen. I find it very useful to me right now. Happy Today to you and all you love.
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        May 23 2012: My pleasure Rhona,
        Haven't seen you for awhile...sincerely hope things are ok in your/our world...happy today to you too my friend.
        • May 23 2012: Better than ok. I'm having a whole lot of fun doing a whole lot of miscellaneous things with some miscellaneous precise peers. Glad to be here now. Glad you are here now. See ya.
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      May 27 2012: Such a great word from Lovely Colleen... Every word is perfect.. Thanks for Sharing.. God bless U mam..
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        May 27 2012: Dear Harsh,
        Thank you for your kind words. It's always a pleasure to connect with you, and I appreciate your insight and enthusiasm:>)

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