Having one last semester at Campbell University has made me reflect on these past four years. It has been one interesting ride, but now that I am about to leave there is advice I would like to pass on to those starting out and continuing their college experience.
1. Do not rush through these four or so years of undergraduate.
They say these are the best years of your life. For most, this is true. Enjoy every single second and experience whether it may be good or bad.
2. Take your classes seriously.
If you joke around with your classes, chances are you will not end up with the best grade. This could ultimately hurt your GPA and future career aspirations when it comes to higher education opportunities.
3. Friends will come and go.
You will meet people your freshman year that may be considered your best friends. Sadly, they may not make it as your best friend when you are a senior. People change drastically in college. The same views or commonalities you once had are lost. This is not always a bad thing.
4. Join clubs or activities that interest you.
This is a great chance to join and be active in clubs, organizations, or sports. This helps expand your knowledge and present you with the opportunity of meeting individuals you may not have. Plus, it is fun if you are truly interested!
5. Make connections/relationships with your professors.
These professors could end up being your biggest supporters. They could guide you through life, give you advice on higher education opportunities, educational issues, or even personal life. They could also end up writing you a recommendation later on in the future. Having this bond is extremely important.
6. Thank your supporters.
For most of us our parents/families continue to support, encourage, and maybe even pay for our higher education. Thanking them along the way lets them know that you really do appreciate what they are doing for you.
7. Get those A's and B's.
Good grades are important. It not only shows that we have learned something, but you get your money's worth. Not only that but getting good grades the first time means you will not have to retake those classes later on in your education.
8. A bad grade does not define you.
Getting a bad grade on a homework, test, or even final grade for a class does not define you as a person. Everyone has bad days, semesters, and even classes. Sometimes it takes a couple times to understand a concept. Do not feel discouraged or embarrassed. It is called being human.
9. Peer pressure sucks, but do not get sucked into it.
You will be presented with varies situations that you may feel pressured into. Stand strong for your beliefs. If you want to wait until marriage to have sex, then wait. If you do not want to drink until you are 21 then stand for that. Do not feel like you have to do anything you do not want to do. Who cares what others think. You probably will not talk to those individuals pressuring you in five years. Standing your ground is more important than anything.
10. Ask for help.
If you feel yourself not getting something or need a lending hand, ask. If you do not ask and think you will be fine on your own, you are most likely mistaken and will end up doing poorly. Asking for help does not mean you are weak, it means you are strong to recognize your weaknesses.
Most people have heard all these things before like I have. As most, I did not take this seriously. Looking back now I really wish I had because maybe I would be in different situations. I do not regret anything, but I do wonder what it would be like if I had listened to those telling me these things.
