After every semester in college, there are things we have accomplished and things we WISH we had accomplished. As many of us students return to school for the spring semester, I decided to come up with a few ideas that are important for us to start doing or continue doing in order to enjoy our spring semester:

1. Keep in touch with family and friends at home.

This can be really hard when you return to school and you have a very busy schedule. You spend your time with friends at school and it's hard to keep track of what is going on at home. So remember to give your parents and siblings or friends a call at least every couple of days!

2. Volunteer in the community where you go to school.

It's important to give back to that area and learn about where you are living. By volunteering in the community, you're not only helping people or animals or the environment, you are also representing your school in a positive way!

3. Make Dean's List!

It can be done! Manage your time and avoid whatever makes you procrastinate.

4. Make new friends, but keep the old.

Don't let your busy schedule keep you from meeting and socializing with new people!

5. Devote time to self-care weekly.

Self-care has become important to me and I think it should be a part of everyone's life. How you care for yourself can tremendously affect how you care for others. You deserve to have downtime and your mind and body are a lot better off with it! People practice self-care in many different ways, whether it is getting more sleep, working out, reading, or doing a face mask before bed.

6. Eliminate unnecessary stress.

I'm a firm believer in if you are not happy about something then try your best to change it. If you have an unhealthy relationship, then let it go or change it. If you are unhappy with your health, then change your habits. This may take a lot of self-reflection to really figure out what is causing your stress, but it is SO worth it. Keeping a journal might help with this, too.

7. Research and apply for internships.

At my school, an internship before graduation is required, but who doesn't want to have an awesome internship learning about the field they hope to work in?! This will make finding a job a little bit easier after graduation!

8. Work out on a regular basis.

Find a gym partner and figure out a schedule that works for both of you! It's nice to have that extra motivation from a friend!

9. Join a new organization or try a new position within a current organization!

This is a great way to find a great group of friends with similar goals as you while also learning new skills that could help you grow professionally. There is so much for you to learn from your peers!

By setting personal goals and prioritizing what is most important to you, you will have a successful semester that you can take pride in when you return home for the summer!