Comment by bpyne

Great list. Just a few more items I wish I'd realized at 17.

1. When you go to college study something you're interested in. I studied math and found it a challenge but I wasn't passionate about it. If I had a do-over, I'd double in computer science and music.

2. Keep in mind that whatever you choose to study has a "business" side to it. The business side is how you earn a living in that industry. Go into your chosen field understanding how you will earn a living. Reaching out to established people is the best way to learn about it and develop a network to help you.

3. My parents have their own issues but they are "normal", meaning not systematic abusers of any kind. They did understand what I was going through at 17 - I just felt I was unique.

PG wrote a fantastic essay that I wish my 17 yo self had read. (http://www.paulgraham.com/nerds.html) Of particular note is the following paragraph.

"Teenage kids used to have a more active role in society. In pre-industrial times, they were all apprentices of one sort or another, whether in shops or on farms or even on warships. They weren't left to create their own societies. They were junior members of adult societies."