 Four Years of Frugality: DOs and DON'Ts Sep 22, 2011
On the very last day of my senior year, my math teacher shared with my class his “Dos and Don’ts” for college. His list is still some of the best advice I’ve ever received about college, and I can honestly say that I’ve made an effort to accomplish everything on the list.
Though there are a lot of math references throughout the list, they can still be applied to everyday life and your college experience.
Here are a few of Mr. Young’s words of wisdom:
DON’T:
• Misinterpret ACT scores. This is just a step to get you in to college. Your score does not determine how well you will do in college.
• Fret about a career. You may have an idea of what you want to do with your life, but that may change. You’ve got at least four years to think about it, so don’t worry now.
• Get behind. Schedule your time to where everything has its place and don’t compromise the time you’ve set aside for anything.
• Go to class in PJs. If you aren’t able to get up and get dressed by your noon class, you probably should just stay home anyway. You’re an adult in college so look the part.
• Whine. Ever! It is your responsibility. It’s yours to go to class, it’s yours to do your work, etc.
• Write papers the night before. Don’t expect any more or less than what you put in to your work.
• Be afraid to change (Major, self, friends, etc.). In high school, you really don’t know who you are. You’ve lived under someone else for so long that you’ve not had a chance to truly find yourself. In college, you can do that and that might mean change and that’s perfectly alright.
• Take the easy way out. Take the harder classes. Learn from mistakes. You may find that the class that was supposed to be terribly hard was the most fun class you’ve ever taken.
• Listen to gossip (course, professor). You won’t know if the class or professor is really like that until you try out their class.
• Ever say “But I did well in High School.” College is not the same as high school. What you hated in high school may be your favorite thing in college and vice versa.
DO:
• Be proud. Be proud of your school, your program, everything.
• Love what you do/your major. If you don’t love what you’re here for, what’s the point of being here?
• Visit professors in office. Your professors are there to help you in all aspects of college. Whether it is your schoolwork or outside activities, they have an interest in you and want to see you succeed.
• Speak up in class. Don’t let the peer pressure of high school follow you into college. You want to discuss things in class because that gives you a better understanding of the material.
• Use time (between courses) wisely. Don’t waste time on YouTube or Facebook when you know you have things to get done. This isn’t to say all free time is work time, but work always comes first.
• Express yourself in class, papers and on campus. Where high school was about set answers to problems, college is about “Here’s the answer and here’s why I think this..” You have an opinion here so, share it.
• Study (course) catalog. Know what you have to take and when to take it. Also, if you’re interested in a course, look it up first to make completely sure it’s what you’re expecting.
• Explore (yourself, friends, subjects). Write poetry, songs, plays, stories. This is an invaluable use of your free time.
• Find your place on campus. This doesn’t always mean clubs and organizations. This could mean a literal place that you go to for studying, thinking, relaxation etc. Find somewhere that is your place.
• Share everything. Let people know about you and who you are. This will open up many doors for you.
• Keep options open (grad school/certifications). You never know where life will take you so be open to all of its possibilities.
• Use tutoring. Get help if you need help. They’re paid to help you so use that.
• Take an independent study course (I’m taking on this one this semester). Especially under your favorite professor. Who better to learn something you really are interested in than someone who will keep you interested in the subject?
So, although these aren’t my tips this week, they’re some that have been passed to me to now pass on to you. These things will give you the best college experience possible. They certainly have for me.
See ya around campus!
-Beth
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