This Is How You Can Maximize Your Time At Miami Dade College

My graduation from Robert Morgan Educational Center in 2021 marked a high in my life, but there was one feeling that spoiled the party. 

Regret. 

Despite performing well academically, I was never involved in extracurriculars or tried to develop my passions in high school.

Instead, I would come from school and spend the rest of my day browsing the internet to learn about European history or play video games. 

I made an effort to change that at Miami Dade College. 

Two years later, I earned an associate’s degree in psychology and pursued my interests in social sciences and writing. 

This fall, I will transfer to Duke University, a school that wasn’t even an option on my first day at MDC. 

Regret is no longer on my mind. It has been replaced with amazement and gratitude. 

But my story is not unique. Many have done it before me and you can too. 

Here are two tips that helped me become the best version of myself in college. 

Get Involved

It might sound cliché, but the most important thing that helped me succeed in college was being involved in extracurriculars. 

During my first semester, I was part of the debate team, student government, the psychology club, Model United Nations and The Reporter. 

Joining a lot of clubs drained me and wreaked havoc on my time management skills, but each community allowed me to meet like-minded people with varied interests. 

The friendships I formed at each club were invaluable. I expanded my social network and developed a greater sense of attachment to my campus. 

As your second-year approaches, take the time to determine which extracurricular activities you want to prioritize. 

Your second year will be busier because you will be taking harder classes and preparing college applications, but consider taking a leadership role.

But don’t take on too much. At the start of the fall semester, I was editor-in-chief of The Reporter, the college’s award-winning student newspaper, and president of the Kendall Campus psychology club. 

My time was strained, so I left the psychology club and dedicated myself to The Reporter.

While it’s tempting to take on various roles, it’s best to stick to one and maximize your impact. 

Have A Plan

As former President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “plans are worthless, but planning is everything.”

The first step in achieving any goal is having a goal to chase. That is no different in college.

Whether your goal is to try something new, meet new people, try an extracurricular activity or graduate at the top of your class, you need a plan of action.

I like to set my goals by determining where I want to be, then deciding what actions I need to get there. 

Planning has helped me stick to a routine when I lose my initial steam.

It’s important to plan for school assignments, college or scholarship application deadlines or other important tasks. 

Staying organized is paramount to staying on top of your life projects and academics. 

But you also need to have fun. The best way to remain focused and happy during your time at MDC is to make time for yourself and your loved ones. 

Community college is a place that offers redemption. If you take the right steps, you can have two great years at MDC.