A Senior’s Advice

When prompted with the timeless question of “what advice do you have for younger students?”, it’s easy to say that much comes to mind. However, the problem I have with the whole concept of “advice”, is that by definition, it implies that someone is providing guidance on the subject of preemptive action or direction. It is essentially, telling someone what you think that they should do, and extensively, how they should live their life. On this matter is where I find myself conflicted, as living under the impression of others’ dominion was largely the context of my own life. Without getting into personal details, this is the basis on which I inherently object the concept of what is perceived as advice. 

Advice, to add to my objection further, is built upon the foundation of someone else’s opinion, perspective, and even desires. So, it is by default, skewed. It is often, from my personal experience, even in the selfish interest of other people, who seek to benefit from their so-called advice (aka manipulation). But perhaps, I am merely being cynical. 

In my world religions class this year (wait, I take it all back, my advice is to take Mr. Sansbury’s world religions class, I swear, trust me), we were introduced to a Hindu teaching that I found particularly striking. In the scriptures of the Bhagavad Gita it states, “(It is) Far better to live your own path imperfectly than to live another’s perfectly”. This I feel, is a representation of the crux of what I am trying to say with this monologue. 

So, I guess my advice to younger students, and those in general, is to take advice for what it’s worth, as it is someone else’s opinion. In truth, my honest plea is to follow your own advice. Trust in yourself, for there is no one in the world who knows you well enough to direct your life than well, you.