Never Skip Class...

Lets face it, when we were going into college we had no clue what we are doing. I personally, along with probably most of you, spent days googling what to bring and tips on how to survive. There are books and thousands of websites that all tell you the same information.

            For me, the best advice came from my older sister. Jenna is 22 and is spending her days at the University of Connecticut for allied health and plans to go to nursing school. She is someone I look up to immensely so for me, her advice meant the most. The one thing she told me that sticks with me the most is her advice to go to class.

            A lot of college students, especially freshman, are baffled by their newfound freedom or simply do now know how to balance school and parties. Either way, their urge to actually attend class is very minimal. During the summer all I told myself was, “of course I’ll go to class,” but know that I am actually here, I see how difficult it is to pry myself out of my cozy bed every morning. In those moments I think about Jenna’s advice and everything that she has been through. Jenna is one of the smartest girls I know and someone who really knows how to put in effort but due to a lack in time management, some of her classes she needed to repeat. To see what she is being put through now four years later is what encourages me to go to every single class, even those annoying 8am classes…

            Making time for work is right up there with actually going to class. Everyday coming back to the dorm, all I want to do is nap. This doesn’t settle my nerves when I have four hours of homework to do though. I try to fit in homework in between classes and do most of it when I get out of them. This means that I actually need to pay attention to that I am doing during the week. I can’t go out to a party on a Tuesday night when I know that I have class and an immense amount of homework to do. These tips of paying attention, going to class, and budgeting you time responsibly will definitely help me be successful in my freshman year.

            What is life without a little fun though? I’ve heard stories of people that have hated their school because it was hard for them to meet. Some tips were given at orientation that I found very helpful. Being interactive is probably the most important. SCSU has so many programs to get involved in. finding one that you are interested in will introduce you to people that will already have things in common with you. Being friendly and interactive with someone I will always have to remind myself. It is easy to sit down and play on my iPhone but how will that make me new friends? Answer: it wont. I will always need to remember to get involved and be social.

            These are just some of the tips that I found helpful in the first few weeks here at school. I know as I continue I will be putting more and use. But for now I plan on fulfilling my current tips by being stubborn with school and relaxed with my social life.