Whether you are about to start the second semester of college or about to start your second semester of high school, this applies to everyone in the realm. Or even if you attend a four year school or a two-year community college, your first semester is known to be one of the most memorable. Surprisingly, my first semester of college taught me more than my four years of public high school did and that's saying a lot.
The lessons that I've already learned and the classes I've already taken have prepared me for the future college experiences.
1. Don't try to impress others
First off, this is a freebie... we aren't in high school anymore. This is the real world, whether you like it or not. Impress yourself instead. Try new things, find new friends, and put yourself out there.
2. Talk to that one girl/guy that sits next to you in class
You never know the outcome that could come out of it. I walked in late my first day of college and they were already in groups. So I joined a random group and I met one of the most unique people in my life and we became such good friends.
3. Try to make time to attend sporting events
Or join a club or sports team in college. As an athlete, I've always enjoyed watching sports and getting involved by meeting new people that have the same interest. The same goes for clubs or sports teams. In high school even, I got involved with groups with people that had the same interest as I did and I met people that became really good friends.
4. Sit at the front of the class
I can't tell you how many times I wanna punch myself for not sitting in the front for every single class. In the one class, I did sit in the front, I learned so much and actually had (and still do have) a good relationship with my teacher.
5. BRING SNACKS TO CLASS
I can't tell you the number of times that snacks have saved me from taking a snooze in class. *Hint, Hint*: Don't take the extra crunchy and extra loud snacks to class, the class will hate you until the end of the semester. A good pretzel and peanut combo will give you that extra boost. (Bonus points are rewarded if you bring a smoothie to class)
6. Make time for yourself
Don't focus on the boy that's in your PHIL 150 class or going out every night to the bars. Make time for the things that matter, like your well-being. Yes, we are in college AND yes, we have a lot on our plate, but take some time out for yourself. How about you go do some retail therapy or get a 30-min massage to relax after a hard exam. Only you deserve this.
7. Stop complaining
We all go through things during the course of our first semester of college. Whether that's homesickness, too much homework, a busy schedule, or ETC. STOP COMPLAINING, WE ARE ALL SUFFERING.
8. Don't chase ANYONE
DON'T chase boys. DON'T chase girls. DON'T chase your friends. DON'T chase a relationship. The only thing you should be chasing is a college diploma and maybe a dog... that's if you want too.
9. Join Odyssey
MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SINCE COLLEGE HAS STARTED. I love Odyssey so much and being able to write and explore journalism. Odyssey has opened up so many opportunities for me for the future of my writing career. I'm truly blessed.
10. Work hard to get what you want, IT'S NOT GIVEN
From personal experience, I came from a family that was always hard working and got what they want when they worked for it. In my first semester of college, I played on my school's competitive soccer team and I learned in four months that I had to work for a starting spot on the team.Through hard work and lots of fitness, I obtained a starting spot where I played the whole game; something that I worked super hard for.
SEE ALSO: 9 Times Your High School Teacher Totally Lied About College
