"Not all things can be taught from a book" - Robin Williams (Dead Poet's Society)
“You don’t have to be a VIP to make a difference”
Kenneth Parcell - 30 Rock
College is huge. It’s so easy to get lost in the sea of other students. It may be hard to feel significant most days, especially while you’re sitting with 300 other students in lecture, but it doesn't mean you can’t make an impact. Run for a leadership position, or start your own club, you’d be surprised by even the smallest differences you can make on campus.
“Surround yourself with people who make up for your shortcomings”
Homer Simpson – The Simpsons
Everyone says you “find your people” in college, and this couldn’t be more true. I’ve never been surrounded by such intelligent, fun, incredible people in my life. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and it’s important to help and lean on each other when needed. It makes for the most amazing group of friends ever when we all work together to fill in the gaps created by our “shortcomings”.
“Determination and persistence will pay off, eventually”
Amy Farrah Fowler - Big Bang Theory
Delayed gratification was one of the things I struggled most with my first year. In high school we get so used to not having to work too hard until a night or two before an exam and then ace it. College is not like this. Doing your reading and your unchecked homework assignments every single day, while boring and seams pointless, will pay off in the end. Stay determined and persistent in all of your endeavors. If you’re doing your reading all semester it’ll make finals that much easier. If you’re starting at the bottom at a job or club, keep going and show how much it means to you, in a few months or semesters you will be rewarded. It may be hard to stay motivated when the reward seems so far, but you will get there if you persevere.
“It’s called taking advantage, it’s what gets you ahead in life”
Gob Bluth - Arrested Development
Take advantage of all the opportunities on your campus. You are never going to be in a more open environment with endless possibilities. Join anything that sparks an interest in you. Even if it’s non-academic like the Squirrel Club, you never know whom you are going to meet or what alumni are connected to the club. Not everyone is so lucky to attend college, enjoy it and all it has to offer.
“You want some respect? Go out there and get it for yourself”
Don Draper - Mad Men
This is your introduction to the real world. There are no handouts here no one is going to take pity on you if you cry about your grade on an exam. What you get is what you earned. Bring your A game.
