School is getting ready to start soon and very soon. It will be a numbing feeling for the Class of
2015 as their classmates head back and college has not started, yet. That will be one of many feelings to deal
with as change and transition happens in life.
You’ve selected to pursue college for yourself and now you must be sure
to chart your course to be successful over the next few years. Here are few
things to keep in mind and achieve your goals:
1.
Always
keep your graduate requirements in mind as you are choosing your
courses. Staying balanced is key. You don’t want to take all hard courses so be
sure to enroll in a topic that you have been wanting to explore
2.
Connect with your professors and advisors-they
are there to help you and make sure you succeed. Professors want their students to be engaged
and contribute to the learning environment-so ask questions to understand and
share answers for discussions.
3.
Is choosing a seat in the classroom
important? Studies have shown over and
over that students who choose to sit toward the front are more engaged learners
and tend to stay focused. Get to class
early enough to have a seat closer to the front.
4.
You get to reinvent yourself to be different
than what you were in high school-if you desire to do so. You get to hang with
whomever you choose. Still choose
wisely.
5.
College brings together all types of people from
all walks of life. So have rich discussions and listen and learn so you can
form your own thoughts and opinion.
There will be people from other countries who have had different
experiences culturally, economically than you-learn from them.
6.
Be caution with alcohol-you are still underage
and being in and around it can mean you
are guilty. Be wise. There are all kinds of ways to have fun that
don’t involve alcohol.
7.
GRADES-GPA your freshman year stays with
you. It is difficult to bring up your
GPA so start strong. You may choose only
12 hours your first semester just so you have a strong GPA
8.
Roommates will teach you more about yourself
than you may want to know. Be open. Try
not to have expectations with roommates that you will be the “best of friends”
etc. Don’t be afraid to make a change if you need to in order to get enough
rest.
Parents: The transition is new to you, as well. Some points for you to keep in mind that may
help with this transition:
1.
Do LISTEN to your son/daughter-don’t try to
solve all their problems just help them solve it for themselves.
2.
Do remember your role has changed from manager
to consultant. Embrace it-they are
moving toward total independence. Your goal all along. One area to encourage is to make sure the
student does not overcommit to too many activities. There is so much to do and
to be involved but they have plenty of time.
3.
Don’t let you college-bound student get
overwhelmed. They are dealing with a lot
emotionally. Talk to them about time management and balance.
4.
Do encourage access to the University’s counseling center. A lot of college students need these
services-Have them take advantage of it while its affordable.
5.
Don’t be a helicopter parent. Letting go is not
easy. Set up a time that is great for
all parties that you can look forward to facetime, skype or just a phonecall.
Write your questions down to ask. You may want to set up texting boundaries
about questions etc. Students really
want their parents to trust they can do this and we need to let them know that
we know they can.
Good luck on a fantastic journey of new friendships and new
memories. It is definitely and exciting
time. Embrace it and make those
memories.
