Welcome Back to School!

I hope that you all had a fantabulous break and you’re ready to get back to business at school! I’ll keep this article short so you can all get settled in, but I want to give you some advice as you head back to campus, to new and old friends, new and old problems, and the main reason you even went to school in the first place: learning experiences, in and out of the classroom.

1. You deserve to be happy, this semester or any other.

2. Getting textbooks on Amazon is usually much cheaper.

Books are expensive, but they can be a lot cheaper, especially if it's a used book, and all students can get Amazon Prime (which means FREE two-day shipping) if they go to Amazon student and use their school email!

3. Recognize what you need socially.

Whether you’re the student that goes out partying every night or the one that keeps to themselves in their room, hardly even talking to their roommate, I won't tell you what to do — but I will say that I encourage you to consider your priorities and whether you believe your future self will be proud of the way you organized them or not.

4. Get study help if you need it.

I know college can sometimes seem daunting, but there are always resources if you need them (or just to brush up on your skills or learn some more efficient ways to work). Part of getting help is knowing what your needs are, sure, but remember that there's always a peer tutor or friend out there to help you. And if not, there are services offered by the school and all full-time teachers are mandated to have office hours (and they get very lonely sitting at their desks all alone so you should totally pay them a visit).

Champlain specific tips: There are study services offered in the Coolidge House (behind Hill Hall but in front of Perry Hall and across the street) and in the Garden House as well (Angyla works there, too, and she's super nice)!

5. Make time for the things you enjoy.

Be it calling or seeing your friends, going to yoga, journaling, making games, painting your nails or cutting (or coloring, if you're like me!) your hair: remember to make time for the things that make you feel happy. It's sometimes easy to get caught up in classes and assignments and forget about caring for yourself, but when it comes to things you enjoy, luxuries can sometimes be necessities when it comes to making you feel great.

6. Your mental and physical health is of utmost importance.

I think we've all been through the breakdown caused by a frustrating assignment or before an exam for a class that stresses us out. I think we could all benefit from a trip to a counselor or therapist every now and then (at least). Rather than considering walking into the guidance office as a sign that there's anything wrong with you (because 90 percent of the time, there's not — you're just struggling and that's okay) consider it a way to be sure that your mental health and organizational skills are in the best shape possible. We get check-ups for our bodies, why not our minds?

Again, Champlain specific: the counseling center on Champlain's campus is located in Skiff Hall. (There's even a back door where the parking lot is that will take you straight to their door — and the swap shop is also there!)

7. Spring break should be whatever you find most fun and affordable.

It’s a bit of time away but in preparation, I want you to know that despite every movie you've probably ever seen on the topic, you can have a spring break without reckless behavior. So when making plans for break, remember that hanging on the couch with your cat is a totally acceptable pastime.

8. Having goals is always a good idea.

This is a tip that can help anyone; even if you're the person that's got a knack for breaking New Year's Resolutions, don't think of it that way. Setting goals beforehand can be helpful in any situation because it lays out your priorities clearly in front of you (which is why I also suggest writing them down). Once you've considered and jotted down a list of goals, it's helpful to keep that list in a place you will frequently see it, be it at your desk, in your planner, above your bed, on your mirror... You know yourself best, tell me where you'll put it.

9. You go to school to LEARN. That being said…

Learning happens in and outside of the classroom. If any teacher tells you that having a social life is not part of the curriculum, they’re lying. As an education major, I can tell you that the job of a teacher is to make sure that you not only learn the material but that you acquire the skills you need to use that material competently in the “real world.”

So, in closing, welcome back to school cutie pies! For those of you I am lucky enough to learn and live side by side with, I am so glad to have you back. For the new students on campus, welcome to the family, I hope you come to love it as much as I do. Finally, for everyone I don't know and may never meet- thank you so much for reading my article and I know that you can make it through college with flying colors. Remember that college is an experience, not just something to get through (even though thinking that way may be easiest at times). It may be difficult, but we'll all look back at this semester with nostalgia when it's over, so we may as well enjoy it while it's here.

Good Luck!