Pearls of Wisdom: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting College
Pearls of Wisdom offers heartfelt guidance designed for students stepping into college and adulthood. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional insights, Michelle shares practical advice, wisdom and reflections on friendships and social circles, building positive relationships, personal safety, managing academic pressures, and prioritizing self-acceptance. This book is a companion to empowers readers to make wise decisions, embrace their unique journey, and navigate college life.
What You’ll Learn:
Building a Strong Foundation: Discover the importance of knowing your “WHY”—a driving force that will keep you motivated through challenges and guide your decisions throughout college and beyond.
Understanding Yourself: Explore how self-awareness influences career choices, relationships, and decisions that align with your values and strengths.
Embracing Self-Love: Learn how self-love is essential for emotional resilience and setting healthy boundaries, critical for a fulfilling college experience.
Choosing Your Tribe Wisely: Understand how friendships and social circles shape your college journey and how to build relationships that support your goals.
Navigating College Life with a Roommate: Get tips for harmonious living, managing conflicts, and fostering respect in shared spaces.
Maintaining Professional Boundaries: Learn the importance of setting and respecting boundaries with faculty and staff for a positive, respectful experience.
Cultivating Financial Wisdom: Gain practical advice on managing money, avoiding debt, and finding ways to fund your education.
Prioritizing Safety and Security: Get essential safety tips for staying secure on campus, understanding consent, and making smart social and online choices.
Ratings
Read what others are saying about Pearls of Wisdom
“As someone who mentors young women, I cannot recommend Pearls of Wisdom enough. The chapter Walking Alone? Essential Safety Tips to Remember addresses a critical yet often overlooked topic with care and clarity. Michelle combines practical advice with heartfelt encouragement, empowering students to prioritize their safety without living in fear. This book is a gift for students and their families alike.”
— Karen Diaz, Women’s Safety Advocate, New York
“Michelle Livingston has crafted an essential guide for college students that I wish I’d had during my own college years. The chapter Strengthening Relationships with Roommates is a standout, offering invaluable advice on communication, boundaries, and compromise. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to create harmony in shared spaces while laying the groundwork for future relationships. Michelle’s practical approach is both relatable and transformative.”
— Jessica Reynolds, College Housing Director, Illinois
“Pearls of Wisdom: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting College is an inspiring and transformative guide that every student—and teacher—can benefit from. Michelle Livingston’s insights on navigating relationships, particularly in the chapter Choosing Your Circle of Friends, provide a powerful reminder of how the people we surround ourselves with shape our values, decisions, and futures. Her ability to balance relatable anecdotes with actionable advice is truly remarkable. As a teacher, I appreciate how this book empowers students to reflect on their choices and equips them to build positive, meaningful connections that foster personal growth. This book is not just for students—it’s a tool for anyone seeking wisdom, clarity, and direction in life.”