College Do's and Dont's

 

                        Its about having fun. Its about staying focused. Its about finishing. 

                I remember receiving a lot of advice about what to expect when heading to college but I always knew I wanted to find my own way. I started college Fall 2016 and when I tell you I didn't know what I was doing, I didn't. I went in there thinking how I was gonna study and keep to myself and just follow through with an opportunity that many others don't have the chance to take. It was completely different. 

That first year I honestly did keep to myself, I went to class, ate at the dining hall and went straight back to my room. This is one of my first suggestions I do not recommend. Please take the time out to make new friends, this is the time to indulge in getting to know new people. You may say you are shy or scared but nine times out of ten so are the other students just coming into campus as well. Its important to create some sorta social life for yourself while you are attending school. Wether you are at a two year or 4 year college, you are going to need a friend or friends to help guide you along your path of growth. Although you will want to hang out with your new friends which if fine you do still need to remember to study. Studying is so important, it can ether make you or break you. I have failed a few class from not taking the proper steps towards studying, so trust me it is important! Not saying you have to study day in and day out but take hours out of your day to study will be beneficial  in helping you succeed in your courses. It is also important to reach out and use your school resources on campus. Wether you need help in a course, you need advice on choosing classes or you need to seek counseling for personal issues know that these services are provided free of charge on campus. When I was struggling in classes I had my own personal peer that I would go and speak with just to help me figure out what exactly it was that I needed to do to be successful academically. Take time out of your schedule to exercise and work out. Im sure you think that you get enough exercise walking from class to class but you need more. You want to make sure that your body is healthy and your mind is right so why not hit the gym. Not saying going hard core weights and leg lifts but just a subtle walk on a treadmill for 30 minutes can enhance your mood.  Remember to eat vegetables and fruits when you can. I know the dining hall is very tempting as it pertains to hamburgers and fries but every once in a while its okay to grab a salad or apple, you want to keep everything balanced. Now its time to unwind and you want to party, which is totally fine but lets do so in moderation. Some of the best moments I have had were during my junior year jumping around to Faneto with my friends at a party. While Thursday nights were dedicated to partying I never let it get out of hand to the point I became unfocused on the task at hand which was my schoolwork. It's fine to party and let loose but just try not to let it consume you that it starts affecting the main reason why you are there, to graduate. Always remember to have a designated driver if you do plan to drink before a party and remember ladies to always have your location shared with your friends. Do go to school activities held on campus because they can be a lot of fun. I remember riding a zero gravity ride on campus at a function called Spring Fling, and it is definitely one of my top memories from school. You can also win prizes, get free shirts and most importantly free food! The last piece of advice I have is to take personal self care days for yourself. Wether you take a walk around campus, workout, take a nap, or just rock out to music in your room, it is important to not let school overwhelm you. Yes you are there to graduate but it shouldn't cost you your health or sanity to get it done. Know that wether it takes you 4 years or 5 years, its you completing something you started that matters. I wish anyone who is in college the best and to keep pushing until you reach the end, because the finish is so rewarding! 

Much Love,

Thi