New students beginning college: For parents and students

New college students, be aware of all surroundings whether it’s the people, the environment, or your actions. Entering in college is one of the greatest opportunities to achieve in life. First things you have to accomplish is to get to know your peers.  When you get to know your peers, you are setting the foundation of yourself to a first impression. How does this apply to the daily life in the future? Well in the daily life, you will meet new people, and work with new people depending on the career you pursue. Now just because you’ve entered in the new world of “college” doesn’t necessarily mean that you are “grown and on your own”. Be sure to realize that your family still loves and supports you. Be sure to understand that the moment you leave home, you will appreciate your parents more than you possibly ever did. So every now and then, hit them up.  Parents, keep tabs on your children from time to time. At least one day out of the week to keep in touch whether it’s skyping, texting, or calling. Always wish them well, encourage your child’s journey throughout the day, school year, or anything that they got going for themselves. Support them in what they do, and always stand firm of the choices they make.  

Students, one way for good opportunities is to “GET INVOLVE”. Get involve by joining various activities, intermural sports, committees, governing associations, clubs, Greek, anything that you can be active in. By doing so, it builds character, leadership, and friendship. You are playing a vital role to make yourself known to others in which one day will land you a great job, and will be a great part of your resume.  Be sure to keep up with your finances and don’t over spend your budget. Be wise to when it comes down to the question “Do I really NEED this? Or do I actually WANT it? I recommend that you use your money for emergency uses only. If you have a job, be wise about saving and learn to scratch out the extra stuff you really don’t need.

Last but never the least, don’t do anything that’s going to hurt your career in life, and hurt your reputation in college. Remember the most important thing about going to college is about getting your education so you can walk away with a degree in your hand, and the degree hanging on your wall. Be in class EARLY and ON TIME in your seat ready for the teacher to start his/her lesson. Don’t over sleep and skip class. Make sure you do your homeworking and studying at a descent time so that you can set your alarm for a goodnight sleep. Get up and eat a well balance breakfast, and be sure that whatever lecture class you are in, RECORD the lecture by using a audio device. The more you go back to listen to a lecture, you could always learn something new. If you are sick, GO TO CLASS. One lecture can put you behind a whole lot, and a chance you could miss something very important, like assignments, announcements, quizzes, and much more, and of course, you are paying for the class.  Always stay on top of the books, and be well ahead in class. If you ever need help, don’t be hesitant to ask the teacher. If the teacher doesn’t have the time, find a tutor, or a friend that will help you. If any other options will get ahead, go by reading the material in other sources of books, online websites, and articles. Be sure to declare your major by the time your sophomore year comes around. Pick a major that isn’t about how much money a job cost, but how much passion you have for what you want to do for your career. Don’t just think about what you want to do right after college, look at the broad perspective. Because when one chapter closes, another one opens. Above all, you will come through some bumps and holes that may cause stress and anxiety, but don’t worry, it happens to everyone. All you need to do is stay focus, don’t ever give up and say you can’t accomplish anything because everyone accomplishes something at their own pace. College is fun, but like I said it has its bumps along the way. So everyday, PRAY and have faith for it will get you through. Have a successful school year, and enjoy college.