Entering senior year can be really scary and exciting at the same time. Especially knowing that this is your last year to really make it count for, what my parent’s say, “the rest of your life.”

Getting to this point was definitely not easy. Of course, being human, mistakes were made all along the way. But, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any help. From staff to family, to friends, here is the list of the greatest advice I’ve ever received while trying to survive college.

1. Be Selfish

I was always reminded that when I step onto campus I needed to be 100% selfish on everything that I do. Let me explain. When it came to choosing different clubs to be interested in, switching my major, or adding a minor, I needed to think about myself first before everyone else.

Every decision I made needed to benefit me and not be based on someone else’s wants or dreams for me. And that is directed towards parents. Sorry mom and dad!

Even though they might be paying for school, it would be a waste of money if you studied something you didn’t like for four years just to please your parents. So, make sure you are doing the things that make you happy and benefit you.

2. Your life begins where you comfort zone ends

This is HUGE for me and I didn’t fully realize this until these past couple of months. I had a lot of opportunities coming my way when I was entering the summer and I was super scared about taking on these projects because I was afraid I would mess up or not be good enough.

After a lot of thinking and moping, I decided to go for it. Little did I know that one opportunity lead to another then, another and it just kept going! I don’t mean to brag but I think I entered a pretty great door.

I learned so much this past summer about what I’m capable of. I learned how time manage a lot better and most importantly I'm happy!

Don't ever be afraid to try something new. You never know where it will take you.

3. But, don’t overwhelm yourself

I told myself that whatever opportunity arises, I need to think about whether I can actually fit it into a normal day schedule, unless it’s important, I don’t want to go above and beyond to try to fit it in.

There was a time that everything that came my way I just said yes to be involved in and I completely crashed. I needed to get rid of commitments to clubs, groups and meetings to be able to breathe.

At this point I might sound a little contradictory so let me clarify. Go for whatever you think can lead through the right doors but, don’t take everything that comes your way. The aim is to be well rounded and involve yourself but don’t strive to be a perfectionist that can do everything.

If it makes you feel better, Ive talked to people who are involved in everything and wishes they had declined some things because they wouldn’t have time for homework.

Which leads to my next point...

4. Don’t be afraid to say no

I’m going to make this quick. If something, anything, seems like too much for you, would make you feel uncomfortable, or feel like something would end up badly, just say no.

Follow your gut, majority of the time, if you feel something is wrong or too much for you, chances are the gut is right.

5. You are here for school…So pay attention to academics.

I understand college is new territory and you want to try everything that is anything but remember, you( aka your parents) are paying a lot of money for you to get an education and blowing that off by partying, being late for class and missing assignments is not a good way to say thank you.

School, believe or not, is important. I mean, you went to college for a reason, right? Don’t forget that academics come first, after your well being of course. Again, don’t overwhelm yourself.

To be honest, you will actually love, yes I said it, love to learn. I’m at a point right now that I’m teaching myself how to code, typography and a little bit of graphic design. I ask teachers if they have spare time to teach me something that I find really interesting. My ultimate goal is to know as much as possible so I can have different options of jobs.

So when people ask me “What are you going to do with your major.” I now respond with whatever I want.

6. Just like listening to your gut, pay attention to your body.

Don’t ignore signs of getting sick or any severe mood changes. College can be very straining mentally and emotionally and if you ignore signs that you are not doing so well on either department, it will get worse.

Please don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s not worth pushing yourself to the brink of breaking down. Trust me.

7. Do not be afraid to network, network and network

Bragging about yourself can be hard because you really don’t know what you have to offer AND you don’t want to seem like a total narcissist.

Now, every time I meet someone, I always seek what can I do for them and most importantly, what can they do for me.

I don’t mean to sound like that but, hello!!! It’s a dog eat dog world out there and those who get ahead aren’t afraid to make themselves known in a crowded room.

Believe me, it takes a lot of practice to introduce yourself and be confident but, that’s exactly what you have to do, practice. Go to social hours and meet different people. You’d be surprised how far you’ll go.