It was just like yesterday that I started my summer vacation. But I am actually moving in back to school tomorrow for my student assistant job training on campus. This year will be my third year in college. Looking back to the past two years, I believe I have accomplished quite a lot in terms of discovering what I want to pursue and the person I want to be. To any incoming freshman, you all are probably thinking of what student organizations to join, how to spend your first semester on campus or what to expect from classes. My best advice is go with the flow, don't think too hard of what you want to accomplish and join. It is always nice to have expectations but the best experiences can come out of your any expectations. If any of you wonder how do I want to spend rest of my college years, this may be something that can help you to figure out the ideal start of college life for yourself.
1. Make time for yourself.
I am not a social introvert. I love socializing and hanging out with people. But sometimes, I get tired of dealing with relationships, it is fun to go to club events and parties, however, I also missed the small things that can already fill my happiness. I am part of a student club and a co-ed fraternity. On top of classes and my on-campus job, I have to juggle between my responsibilities between the two clubs. It wasn't easy to have that much on my plate. I stress myself a lot as I am in charge of event planning for both of my clubs. I would say I almost indulge in it instead of realizing the hidden stress. Never stress over your social parts of your college life besides academics. Allocate time for yourself, it is always nice to do things you feel most comfortable with and take things the way they come.
2. Travel as much as you can
For most of the time, I don't stay on campus much. I am not talking about going off campus or to the mall nearby. It is my third year in school and I still want to explore more options and enjoy as much as I can. I gradually stress less about my classes and my outside club activities. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean I don't care about school. It is more like stepping out of my comfort zone and as a college student now, to enjoy things that not only college can offer me. Plan a few getaways with friends on weekends. It never has to be club and school related. I guess at this point, as cliche as it sounds, talking about life in general with friends, is what I enjoy the most.
3. Take some interesting classes that are totally irrelevant to your major
As said, I keep my options opened. For four semesters in a row, I take classes to fulfill school and major requirements; it is never possible to fit any science classes in my schedule as a journalism and business major. But since I am on track and already got most of my requirements fulfilled, I would to try out a science class, like biology. I am not good at science or math but why not? Your major is only a concentration that you would like to focus on during four years in college or maybe an area you would like to pursue after college. But why not, take a class that is in theatre arts if you are a health science major? Of course, you may not like it but give yourself a chance. You may not realize, but perhaps sometimes, you also need a break from what you are like and interested you the most.
4. Make mistakes, and make tons of them
Yes, you aren't reading it wrong, go ahead and make mistakes that you would regret at some point because I did for the past two years but I don't look back at them now. The reason is I surprisingly gain experiences and things from those silly failures. My GPA dropped significantly in one semester due to my commitment to my club. My class performance wasn't the best but that made me realize what can be fixed in what and how to do better for my next classes. If my failure for one thing was because I weighted more on the other, there is always something you feel that you accomplished in that failure. So don't be afraid in falling hard. College is all about trial and error; if you fall, pick up your feet and move on. Don't complain and keep going.
