Word Of Advice From A Second Year Student

Going into college, I only knew what my high school teachers and counselors were informing me of, the usual hectic, stressful talks that ended with “you’re not going to be in high school anymore.” It was treacherous hearing them talk about college like a big scary monster set out to ruin your life.

Here I am, almost done with my sophomore year, and all the talks I endured are only a distant memory. There are a couple of things I would have liked to have known during that summer before my freshman year in college; things my high school teachers and counselors didn’t forewarn me about. My organizational skills were downright awful. I rarely kept track of my assignments, which led to fake excuses of “I left it at home” and receiving a lower grade. 

Learning to balance your time efficiently is the most important advice anyone can give you. Between your coursework and classes, you might be tempted to skip class, delay assignments, and procrastinate. There are plenty of skills you can acquire and many methods to help you manage your time conveniently.

Take advantage of what the school has to offer as well, especially if your professors advise you to visit during office hours. Speaking to your professor outside of class helps develop a solid relationship. If you are finding it difficult to  understand the lecture, take some time to explore the extra help you can get from different instructors and tutors. The people around you can assist you and you will find it beneficial. The different labs and tutoring sessions are all there for you to succeed.

College is about expanding and learning, especially when it comes to you. Think of college as an adventure to seek new things. If the voice in your head is telling you not to join a club, ignore it. Join all the clubs you find interesting. Stray away from your proximity. Do as much as you can to enhance your life.

If you fail at a new endeavor, don’t dwell too much on it. At least you tried. Now you can move on and try something else. Don’t let fear get the best of you.

Talk to everyone and anyone. We all want to meet new people, so don’t be shy. Whether it’s a peer, mentor, advisor, or professor, college is filled with tons of perspectives that can benefit you. Ask dumb questions. You never know if the person next to you is wondering the same thing.

People often look back at their freshman year and realize the things they should have or could have done. Be someone that balances the different areas in order to have a good year and even better coming years.

Be brave.