With summer coming to an end, it seems that our phones keep blowing up with texts asking what day everyone is moving back to school. We’re all stoked to get back “home” and say hello to all of our awfully missed friends, making another semester full of some of the best memories of our lives.
But, we all need a reminder once in a while of why we went away to school in the first place. To get an education. Sometimes we get lost in the mix of our busy lifestyles and let this slip away.
I’m sure all of our families have reminded us of this at least once. But here’s another reminder, don’t let “Syllabus week” get the best of you. Be the responsible 20-something whose parents know you are, otherwise they would not have let you go away to college in the first place.
Set an example for PNMs. They’ve finally arrived on campus. They’re more than thrilled to go through recruitment, and they're watching you (just as much as you are watching them). Put your best foot forward. Come to class on time. Look presentable. Be friendly. You never know, the woman sitting to your left on the first day of class could be your new little.
Be responsible. Come to class with all of the necessary supplies. Read the syllabus before you attend each lecture. Make sure your laptop is fully charged. And “silence all of your electronic devices.”
Be respectful. Of your peers and your professors. They came to class to help you and get an education themselves. Put your phone away for the hour duration you are in class. Don’t distract yourself and others by “browsing” on the Internet. Pay attention in the classroom. Make friends. You never know what connections people have that can help you in the long run when, ya know, you’re looking for that J-O-B.
Be respectful. To yourself. Don’t let FOMO get the best of you. If you know you have an 8 am on Wednesday morning, maybe going out on Tuesday night isn’t your best option. “Make wise choices,” said every adult in our life, ever.
Syllabus week sets the tone for your entire semester. Don’t use one of your three excused absences the first week of class. Just think of how that will look on you. First impressions are everything. As members of Greek Life, we know that saying holds very true.
Make your parents proud to have raised you. Make your sorority/fraternity proud to have you as a member. Make yourself proud that you can handle the kind of lifestyle that college provides for you. It will all pay off in the end.
Starting off the semester on the right foot will help you have a successful school year. Maybe you didn’t do as well in school as you wanted to last spring semester. Now is your time to move on and start new. With new classes, new professors and new classmates, here’s to you starting fresh and having the most successful semester yet to come.
