College 101: Advice From A College Grad
Every time back-to-school rolls around, I get a bit nostalgic about my school days. (I know most of you are a few weeks into the semester now.)As a graduate of MWSU, I can honestly say that College was one of the best times of my life.Going away from your home to attend school is fun, it's scary and exciting. Most of you are away from your parents, your siblings, familiarity, living on your own in another strange city. Whether you're just 45 minutes away from home like I was, or hundreds of miles, it's away.College, literally is "A Different World"!It is a time to get out from under your parents wings and spread your own beautiful wings! At times you may be doubtful of your own abilities, but just remember, "You got this"!Here are a few things that I thought I'd warn you about, that you may or may not know:Cafeteria food sucks after awhile, but you'll get creative! We had a food court and a cafeteria when I was on campus. I'm sure you guys do to. I know I got really tired of the cafeteria and the food court and started cooking in my room. I know you'll have a microwave. At the end of 4 years, you'll be amazed at how much you can cook in the microwave. I hope you're mom hooks you up with some good home cooked meals from time to time like my mom did!Try to be nice to your roommate, it pays! I had some nightmare College roommate experiences. I am surely praying for you! If it's a situation you just can't deal with feel free to talk to your Resident Assistant, they should be able to help! Try not to be rude or mean to each other. A semester is August through December and that's a long time. Be prepared for bumps in the road. Try to work it out, but if necessary move.Party, Party, Party! Partying! I loved to do it! (Still do from time to time) Did I get drunk? Yes. Did I regret it the next morning…OH YES!!! Hangovers suck majorly, but here's a tip (Gatorade & Aleve) works wonders! Be aware of your limits and always always be safe and have a DD. Look out for one another! (P.S.This is not an encouragement to go out and do these things, just an I know what goes on.)School is Work! Treat school like a job! Be on time and be prepared. Some classes may be difficult, but don't sit there and flunk! If it's the professor you can't understand after going to 3 periods, drop the class and see if you can take with someone else. If you don't understand or need clarification ask for help! Most professors have office hours and I'm sure they have on-campus tutoring.Campus Activities! Oh yeah, get involved on campus! I promise your College experience will be so much more well-rounded and shhhh don’t tell anyone, I said this but it looks really good on your Resume' also! I didn't get to pledge the sorority I wanted because the Chapter got suspended, I regret not being able to establish those life long bonds that some of my friends have and connections!Relationships! Where do I start here…Don’t get in to deep! At 18, 19, 20, 21 you have a lot to learn about the L word and I'm hoping you are aware of the difference between love and lust. You're a beautiful young lady and I'm sure a lot guys will see that also!PRAY...A lot! Try and stay in your word! God is with you every step, I'm sure you know! College is hard! It's a lot going on. Remember to pray often and stay in your word!!!Lastly, remember what you're there for…a Degree! Enjoy this time in your life! seriously you'll never get it back!!!I'm SUPER excited for you, girl! I know you're going to do great things!It's alot to manage, I do remember.Time management is key in College! I'll post on that subject next week.-Nicole Alicia