Midterms are coming, help us all. Most students are now starting to feel the effects of the coursework, and we all could use a little bit of advice to help us make it through midterms. There is so much advice to be given in regards to our courses (like how to deal with the 8 AM's) but here is a condensed version of what you really need to remember this midterm season.
1. Accept differences of others
While this may be a no-brainer, it's always helpful to have a reminder. We are all different, we all have strengths and weaknesses, some may be the same as yours. Others may be different, but the best part is being okay with that. Your weakness could be someone's strength, and that could benefit you in learning how to turn your weakness into force.
2. Believe in yourself
If you don't believe in yourself, then no one will. You need to understand that you can do what you want, and by gaining enough confidence you can set your mind to anything.
3. Consider all opportunities
Every school has those club fairs each year, trying to get you to support the school in more ways than one, but why limit yourself to the school? There are so many opportunities out in the world; most places are looking for extra help around the office, and you can trade that work for valuable tools of the trade. Plus, you might land a job for the summer!
4. Don't think that you're better
You may see the person walking across campus in designer shoes and the newest iPhone and believe that their life is great, and they must be perfection. Then you see the person in raggedy old clothes that looks like they haven't showered in days, and think they must be struggling in school and life. Well, you could be right, but you could be wrong. The rich person may be the one struggling in school and at home, and is holding onto every ounce of hope that things will work out.
As well as the individual who is wearing raggedy old clothes, they may have been annoyed by how people treated them when they showed that they had money. Therefore, in order to fit in, switched to the opposite class. What I am trying to get at here is, don't judge the person by what they wear or what they have, judge them by their character and what they bring to the table.
5. Enjoy & explore life.
College is a great experience; all the benefits of being an adult in the real world, without the huge consequences of bills and taxes! If you're happy, then be happy, if you're not then change it.
6. Get stuff done
7. Know you limits
The world is an amazing place with so many opportunities and adventures. They are all waiting for you, waiting for you to take that offer and join them. Do not let anyone ever tell you that you can't do something, you take their answer and prove them wrong.
8. Never back down
Somedays, I think college is just like high school but with more freedom. Some people will tell you straight to your face that you can not be what you want to be. Prove them wrong, tell them that they are wrong, and then show them. Let them know that their negativity does not affect you, and they can take their negativity and go somewhere else.
9. Open your minds
College is supposed to be that intermittent time during your life, of finding yourself. So if you're a criminal justice major, but want to take a plant course, then take it! Don't confine yourself to within your major, open yourself to any and all opportunities
10. Staycations are life
We all get to this point. The point of what feels like no return, we are at our burn out point, trying to figure out how much our organs cost (which is surprisingly a good amount of money). This calls for a staycation. Even if it's in your dorm, then make it the best room that it could be. You don't even have to go all out, all you need a bunch of pillows, soft blankets, and Netflix and you are set; take the time out of your day for some me time.
11. Understand that life is not always fair
Life isn't always fair, get used to it. Just because you get the good grades and go to a good college does not mean that you will be set in your life. You should constantly be wanting to achieve great things and to never give up on your hopes and dreams.
12. Volunteer for everything
Even if it's the smallest thing, like staying after class to put all the equipment away, take the extra time with your teacher, to ask them about the current class or even how they got to be where they are today, those little talks may lead to you getting a recommendation letter for graduate school, some day.
If you take anything out of this, I would recommend for you to be free and live your life, you're are only in college for four years.
