'I wish I had known not to be so afraid': Successful women, including Martha Stewart and Robin Roberts, reveal the essential life lessons they wish they had known at age 21

  • Glamour honored 10 college women by pairing them with mentors in their fields
  • At a luncheon this past week, the mentors shared advice on what they wish they had known about themselves and the world while still in college
  • The advice encouraged the college women to remain open-minded and fearless

By Katie Fustich For Dailymail.com

Published: 15:32 EDT, 27 April 2017 | Updated: 20:28 EDT, 28 April 2017

At age 21, the world can seem like a scary place; the future may be uncertain, things are constantly changing, and college can be a struggle. Fortunately, powerful women like Martha Stewart and Robin Roberts have clued us in to what they wish they had known at this transitional time in their life.

Earlier this week, Glamour honored 10 recipients of the 2017 College Women of the Year award with a luncheon attended by the honorees, as well as a handful of highly-successful 'mentors' who shared the secrets behind their achievements.

At the luncheon, these powerful figures revealed to the college-age innovators entrepreneurs what they wish they had known as a young woman, and encouraged them to focus on their character, continue learning, and let go of fears and self-doubts.

Pearls of wisdom: Martha Stewart says she wishes she had more confidence as a young woman, was also voted a College Woman of the Year - back in 1961

Pearls of wisdom: Martha Stewart says she wishes she had more confidence as a young woman, was also voted a College Woman of the Year - back in 1961

Newsworthy: Prize-winning journalist Katie Couric, speaking to the College Women of the Year, said she hoped to 'do stories about many of you.'

Newsworthy: Prize-winning journalist Katie Couric, speaking to the College Women of the Year, said she hoped to 'do stories about many of you.'

Casual: Broadcaster Robin Roberts encourages young women to be less afraid and focus on developing their own character

Casual: Broadcaster Robin Roberts encourages young women to be less afraid and focus on developing their own character

It's hard to believe that someone as successful as Martha Stewart wasn't born knowing it all - but the advice from the 'mentors' was overflowing with wisdom. 

Huffington Post editor-in-chief Lydia Polgreen assured the young women that mistakes are a part of life. 'I wish I had known that I was going to make a lot of mistakes, and those mistakes weren't going to be fatal,' she said. 'The most important thing that I could do is learn from them.'

Robin Roberts told the young women, 'I wish I had known not to be so afraid - and realized that everyone is.' The news anchor added: 'Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Reputation is what you think you are; character is what you truly are.'

'I wish I had had a little more confidence in myself,' said Martha Stewart, who has just launched a new business - Martha Stewart Wine, candidly revealing that - despite her seemingly cool, calm and collected outward appearance - she has not always believed in herself. 

Meet your mentors: (From left to right) Katiti Kirdone, Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, and Cindi Levine all offered their career and life wisdom to young college-age women

Meet your mentors: (From left to right) Katiti Kirdone, Martha Stewart, Katie Couric, and Cindi Levine all offered their career and life wisdom to young college-age women

Class of 2017: Glamour's annual list of College Women of the Year boasted an especially diverse range of identities and interests

Class of 2017: Glamour's annual list of College Women of the Year boasted an especially diverse range of identities and interests

Other brilliant thoughts came from model and designer Katiti Kirdone, who encouraged young people to 'never stop learning.' The 69-year-old added that she learns something new every day.

Nina Tandon, CEO of EpiBone, said she wished 'I would have known how possible things are.' 

The College Women of the Year are comprised of 10 individuals from across the country who are the 'glass-ceiling breakers' of their respective campuses.

Women highlighted on this year's list include a student journalist exposing sexual assault on campus, a transgender activist who wants to make high schools safer spaces, and a scientist whose independent research project may someday be able to repair brain connections.

Though the sage advice from the mentors was directed at the College Women of the Year, these are certainly pearls of wisdom that anyone can learn from.

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