I know things are getting overwhelming with your first year of college down and not so much more to go. The real-world pressures are finally setting in. You're not the newbie anymore. You are a decorated student, colored with the grades from two semesters. It's finally time to emerge from under the freshman shadow; to put it bluntly, sh*t gets real, fast.
Here is some valuable advice to help you along, from a really put-together college junior (J/K, what day is it again?)
1. Studying is a real thing.
I know you've had a taste of college but freshman get a lot of slack, even if you don't think so. You get study guides and outlines which lead you think those all-night cram sessions actually worked. Let me tell you, DO NOT DO IT. It's like biting your nails or doing cocaine, it's addicting. Study a week in advance and pay attention, professor pity is out the window. Don't cram, and don't do cocaine either, that was a joke. Drugs are bad.
2. Realize real friends.
Freshman year you make a lot of friends. Everyone loves everyone because you're all still putting on the "I'm really not bat-shit crazy" show. Find the friends who realize you're crazy so they can learn to love you for you. These are the friends who will have your back for the next three years for major classes, program applications and apartment hunting. Weed out the freshman friends and find the true ones, you're going to need support when the real world hits.
3. Stay focused.
Your screw around year is over. I know you were told not to screw around your first year but we all saw those Snapchat stories. So let me refresh your memory — stay focused. College can be a fun, exhilarating, turbulent experience but it does serve a purpose. A very, very, important purpose — to get you a job. You have the power to do whatever you want in the world IF you stay focused. Study and get it done. Don't regret your time spent here.
4. Utilize professors.
Professors are not just there to drive you crazy. They are real people with real lives and experiences. Yes, they are employed to expose you to a certain field or subject but use them for the knowledge they've gained through studying and working. They were confused about life and had those impossible professors. They may have failed or were fired but ultimately succeeded. Take a look at where they are standing; ask them how they got there, don't be afraid. They will help you more than you think, everyone likes to talk about their journeys so don't write them off just yet.
5. Make connections.
Internships, internships, internships. Start reaching out to the community, see what's out there in your field. This is the perfect time. You have some idea of what you want to do so get out there! Use your college's career center, they are ready and willing to help you. They will give you ideas and names of companies hiring interns or part-time assistants. Bring your resume to them and learn how to write a cover letter — this is all vital. Reach out and make your name known to these businesses, schools, or hospitals.
6. Work experience counts.
This may be redundant but you need a job. Providing references and work experience is huge for the real world. Showing an employer that you can handle responsibility is essential. Jobs on campus are perfect, they have flexible hours and usually let you study during your shifts. This is a win-win! Those connections I just mentioned, they count here too. Try to get a job in the department you are majoring in, get to know everyone. Receptionists and front desk personnel are great student jobs, and you literally get to keep tabs on everyone who walks in. Bingo!
7. Relationships are hard.
In general romantic relationships are hard. Tossing in the stress of school, pressures of jobs, and the realization that you are going in different paths makes it even harder... but not impossible. If Mr(s). Right comes along, then go with the flow but don't compromise your goals, remember that's what you're here to accomplish. Plus, these relationships are like buses, a new one comes along every 15 minutes so don't let anything ruin your college experience.
8. If your going to party hard, study harder.
The time to be the drunkest girl / guy at the party is over. I know college seems like one giant party and I don't want you to miss out on the "experience" but make sure you keep it in perspective. There will always be another party but there will not be another final. Be smart about the party-to-study ratio. The older you get the more these decisions will start to effect you. Remember: you're not a freshman anymore.
9. Perspective.
I recently heard this and immediately realized it's importance: the irony of aging. The older we get, the shorter the days feel but the more each day matters. Time flies. We are not little kids anymore. Be productive: do you really need the nap between classes or can you manage your time better? Time is of the essence.
10. Always call home.
I don't care how old you are, always call home. I understand the freshman fears are over but don't forget who got you through that first year. No problem is too small, no question to dumb. Family has your back 100 percent. Success is awesome but even more so when you have family to share it with. Don't be scared of anything, this is your time to figure everything out. So if you fall get right back up and remember everything happens for a reason.
Congratulations on completing your freshman year. Now hit these next years out of the park.
