Ten things i wish i knew before college
The transition from secondary/High school to college can be
stressful. it is such an exciting time in your life, and one where not only do
you learn a great deal about the world, but about yourself. There is so much We
wish We knew that would have prepared me for this era of life, and how to use
it to better prepare for young adulthood. Here are 10 things I wish I knew
before I started college:
1. Real learning takes place outside of the
classroom.
Go to office hours with professors and advisors. Even in
smaller classes where professors can give you more individual attention, you
should still check in with your professors outside of class.
2. Campus involvement builds lasting
friendships.
Your social life is a huge part of the college experience.
Getting involved on campus in clubs, organizations, or athletics will help you
meet new people and develop lasting friendships. College is about the people
you meet, the experiences you have, and the memories you make.
3. Work hard, play hard.
You actually have to study and work hard at
school. Some classes will be tougher than you expect, so make time to study,
study, and study. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun on weekends.
4. Go to class.
It’s tempting to skip, but go! Know the
teacher. Nod your head during lectures to show you’re interested. Participate
in discussions. Take notes. Even with scholarships, you're still paying for
each class. An early lesson: there can be more to grades, and life, than just
raw numbers.
5. Be proactive.
This means going to a tutor before the
class becomes difficult, or seeing a counselor to help plan next semester’s
schedule. College is full of people there specifically to help you, but they’re
not psychic! Reach out when you need it.
6. Apply For Jobs And Internships Now
You won't know until you have spent time
working in an industry if you will want to work in it after you graduate. Apply
for an internship or job in a field you're interested in while you're still in
school. Start working early on and get as much experience as you can. If you
can have work experience before graduation, you will be extremely well
positioned to have a job waiting for you upon graduation.
7. Protect Your GPA
The higher your GPA, the more options you
will have in the future. Many top companies will filter applications by GPA, so
don't get yourself eliminated for something that is in your control. You limit
your future options by neglecting it. Make school the priority, study hard,
work hard, build relationships with your professors and maintain a good GPA,
you will not regret it.
8. Eliminate Toxic People
It is so easy to get swept up in the social
scene in college, and to subscribe too much value to running in certain crowds
and being in certain clubs. It is also easy to rationalize spending time with
people who don't treat you and others well because they're part of a certain
social circle. If people are unkind to you, talk about you behind your back,
etc. they are bad for you. Surround yourself with good people who want the best
for you and make you feel good about yourself. Find friends who share your
interests and ambitions, and who support you through the ups and downs and
plateaus in your life. The sooner you have the confidence to choose your own
friends and go your own way, in spite of what is "cool," the happier
you will be.
9. Manage
Screen Time
Though it feels like everything from job
applications to dating is all done online, your social skills and ability to
get along with people in many ways matters more than ever as more and more
people are competing to distinguish themselves in their respective industries.
Invest time in developing your social skills, and your ability to get along and
work with people from all different backgrounds and areas of study. Don't get
too caught up in curating your life online to be the life you really want to be
living. Be present in your own life, do not simply record it. Popular streaming
services make it easier than ever to stay in and not socialize, push yourself
to go out and meet people. You will never be in a place where there are
thousands of people your age in such a confined space, take advantage of it by
getting to know as many people as you can and socializing. It will never be
easier to spend time with your friends than it is right now.
10. Focus On Self-Confidence
Confidence is based on accomplishments, so
work hard, do well in school, immerse yourself in things that interest you and
become skilled at them. Building confidence is hard work, but going through
life with low self-esteem, constantly doubting yourself and not believing
you're worthy of quality relationships and opportunities is infinitely harder.
If you have confidence, it is so much easier to get to know yourself. You are
able to be more decisive and thoughtful, enabling you to make more informed
decisions regarding activities and people.
By frances bridges and Emily Forrest
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