As mid-August approaches, and summer ends, most of us students are getting ready to go to college for the first time or back as an upperclassmen student. For some of us, this may be the most nerve-wracking experience of our lives, and for others, it may be the most exciting. In the mist of all of these feelings, I believe it is important to keep some specific thoughts in mind while entering college. It is important to enter school with a positive and clear mind so that you can be sure to do your best all semester long. Also, we may get caught up in the craziness of school and lose sight of some important things that we must do and remember during the semester. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
1. It's not the end of the world
This statement is mainly directed towards the incoming college freshmen. I was once in your position, so I know how you can get in your own head, let others try to tell you that college will be the hardest experience of your life, which then leads to overthinking. Do not let this happen. In my senior year of high school, all of my teachers told me that college would be so difficult, or that you have to seriously prepare yourself for it. Although these may be true to an extent, they dramatize it to a max. It is not the hardest thing you'll ever experience, and although you must prepare, do not overthink it too much. Walk in on the first day with the mindset that you can do it! Always try to the best of your abilities, and do what you're supposed to do. You'll be just fine.
2. Set your alarms
Depending on what type of person you are, you know from last school year or last semester that either you were great with getting up for class, or you were lucky if you made it to that 8:15 every week. It is always important to prepare yourself for the next day by setting an alarm early enough to wake up and get yourself ready for class without a rush. By doing this, you will improve your performance in class, your mood for the day, and your overall appearance to your peers and professors.
3. Be open minded
College is a place for you to broaden your horizons, and experience new things. Many people, often times, will let things go through one ear and out the other, never letting anything new into their minds. Learning is a beautiful thing; it's how we navigate our way through life. Knowledge is the basis of life. We are in college to learn, aren't we? Let us take advantage of this privilege while we have it.
4. Call your parents
They're just as worried as you are upon your entrance into college. Although they're a little more used to it if you're an upperclassman, they are still worried sick. They're used to you being around the house where they could protect you and make sure you're fed and just doing okay in general. I always say it like this: imagine you're boyfriend or girlfriend didn't call you for days. Wouldn't you be worried? If you take that worry and multiply it by 1,000, that's how your parents feel.
5. Be mindful of everyone you meet
In college, connections to your future, profession, and life in general are everywhere. I go to a small school, so I see many of the same people day-to-day. A lot of them I have met along the way have helped me add onto my success. Because I formed a professional relationship with my career adviser, I was able to get a paid internship in my first year of college. Also, many of the people you meet in college will not only benefit your career, but some will be there as friends for the rest of your life.
6. Eat breakfast
This may seem like second nature to some of us, but for others, they may find themselves failing this part of their everyday routine. Breakfast is SO important to kick-start a successful day, and not many people realize this. It may be hard because you get up and you're rushing for your class, but at least try your hardest to make this a habit.
7. College is a lot different from high school
I think that this is a fact many students forget, especially incoming freshmen. College is a place where you are able to be yourself and make the experience what you want it to be. Your schedules are not being made for you anymore, you're able to make a club if you want and not be forced to join only the ones that are being offered, drama is frowned upon, and nobody has time for the petty garbage. People go to college to advance their high school education and prepare themselves for the real world. The 4 years spent in college will be a lot different from the 4 years you spent in high school, and it should consist of learning, growing, and enjoying yourself along the way!
8. Do your homework
Do not try to slide through the semester without doing your homework because you don't "feel like it" or because you know that you have a good grade in the class, so you don't need to do your homework. Homework is not only something that will boost your grade, but it is also review for a test or the next class. Without doing it, you will be behind in what is being taught. If you fail the class for not doing homework, you'll feel so silly because you just spent a lot of money taking the class for absolutely no reason.
9. Take the opportunity
Life in general is about taking chances and opportunities, and college is a part of life, so that must mean taking chances and opportunities is a very important aspect of college. There are SO many to take in college, so I suggest taking as many as you can. For instance, every time I am offered a leadership position, or if there is a way I can help or work for the school, I take it because I like doing it, and it also provides me with the skills in life to go out there and be the best leader I can be. You never know what is in store, and behind each opportunity can be a new door leading to something great.
10. Enjoy yourself
Yes, college is mainly about enhancing your education and preparing for the real world, but you will be there for four years, and it is important to be able to enjoy yourself. Make friends, don't stay in your car or dorm room all day, explore the area, join a sorority or fraternity, go to that campus event, join a club; the possibilities are endless.
