My academic life went into overdrive a month ago with what seemed like endless papers, midterms and presentations. I apologize for not writing for so long because honestly I think it is very important to slow down and express my thoughts about what is happening in my life right now.
As you all may know, Ohio University is well known for Halloween, which happens to be this upcoming weekend. Therefore, I have been gradually compiling a list pertaining to this weekend, and for college in general of advice I find particularly valuable.
Be Smart.
Use. Your. Common. Sense. I can't count the number of times I've heard this from upper classmen. If a situation is sketchy than you don't have to partake in it. You are a great person and shouldn't have to drink to have fun. If the idiot setting the couch on fire or stumbling on the sidewalk is one of you're friends that's going to get you both in trouble.
Bring rain boots and always carry a mini umbrella
They're cute and comfortable, and most importantly they keep your feel dry and warm! I don't know about other colleges, but after a rainstorm OU turns into a swamp! And there is nothing worst than getting stuck on the other side of campus in a rainstorm. These two items may not seem like a big deal, but when you're walking from building to building it can make the difference between being perfectly dry in a two hour lecture or walking in completely soaked and totally uncomfortable.
Put people and events before anything/everything else
Yes, I will never deny school work is important; but the opportunity to make life long relationships with some of the coolest people you'll ever have the opportunity to get close to is more important (in my opinion at least). College is all about setting priorities, making decisions and managing your time wisely. Whenever I am debating a situation involving friends I think "will I have this opportunity to do this again in the near future?" and if the answer is "no," then I go for it.
In the aspect of helping I also think it's important to put other people first. Numerous times I have been writing a paper or studying for a quiz and a friend texts or Facebooks me and needs some help and for some reason I put down whatever I'm working on a spend time working with them. Who cares if I push back my work until 4:00a.m.? If I made their life a bit easier I'll be able to sleep a little better that night.
Keep an open mind
People are CRAZY, so do not judge them right away. In high school I felt like I was Miss Judgmental, but college is all about accepting people for who they are and embracing their differences. You'll meet some pretty cool people that way and grow as a person.
Call yo mamma
She'll enjoy it, you'll enjoy it, and you might get a care package out of it; so it's a win-win-WIN situations ;) He he love you mom!
Get a planner
Sure, this is the oldest, most simple concept in the book, but trust me IT WORKS WONDERS. It can turn your time management schedule 180 degrees and help your plan study blocks or nap times in your days. With everything going on in your life, it's hard to concentrate on a day-to-day basis, let alone look into the future for when big assignments might overlap! (I still am able to procrastinate though! Personally I don't mind staying up until 3:00a.m. every night; that's what college is all about!)
There have also been a couple of myths I have busted or confirmed in my time at college. My top nine include:
Myth #1: The food sucks Verdict: BUSTED.
I love the food at college! There is always a wide range of variety that is always hot and ready to be eaten!
Myth #2: You're roommate will drive you crazy Verdict: BUSTED.
My roommate and I could not be more polar opposite; she's majoring in astrophysics and obviously I'm studying journalism, but we make it work. We're both considerate and our line of communication is always open. We do whatever we have to to keep things moving in a positive direction, whether it's that I go with her to Friday Physics Colloquium or she tolerates my continuous overflowment of dirty clothes.
Myth #3: Everyone parties hard Verdict: BUSTED.
95% of my friends don't even drink, and guess what? We still have a good time. College is so much more than having an excuse to get wasted every weekend.
Myth #4: You will gain the Freshman 15 Verdict: BUSTED.
At OU we should call it the "Freshman Fine Ass" because I can feel my quads burning each time I climb Jeff Hill, which is at least twice everyday. Also, make sure to incorporate a salad or two into each day.
Myth #5: You'll forget about your old life Verdict: Ehh... sometimes.
You can't forget your past, but you can use it to grow into a better person.
Myth #6: No one cares about what you do Verdict: CONFIRMED.
Sure, everyone loves a juicy piece of gossip but most people in college do some outrageous stuff. So as long as you're not doing something highly illegal (like dealing out drugs from your dorm room) or scandalous (like sleeping with a professor) you're drama will seem relatively simple compared to what else is happening. In high school EVERYTHING seemed like a big deal, but in college people will be more likely to forget about it in a couple of days.
Myth #7: You'll get addicted to coffee Verdict: Ehh... it helps.
I forced myself to like coffee because I thought if I didn't I wouldn't be able to keep up. You don't NEED to like it, but it is quite beneficial completing papers when pulling all-nighters.
Myth #8: When you go home you'll have plenty of time to work on schoolwork Verdict: EPIC BUST.
I always come home for a purpose therefore I never have time to do schoolwork stuff that's meant to be done in Athens! Be proactive and get it done before you leave; trust me, it's a burden off your shoulders for the weekend.
Myth #9: You wear sweats and a sloppy bun to class everyday, and NO ONE CARES. Verdict: I don't know, but I do it!
This is the way I look at it; I only have four more precious years to exhaust my sweatpants before I am unwillingly hurled into the real world. I am going to cherish these days where I am able to simply slap my hair up, brush my teeth, and walk out the door.
My last and most important piece of advice:
College is what you make it. Unlike high school you have the control, the power, to reinvent yourself and alter your entire schedule to what you want to do. If you don't want to be active then don't, but five weeks into fall quarter I guarantee you wish you were playing cards with the guys outside in the lobby instead of playing World of Warcraft alone in your room. Connect with the people around you and MAKE AN IMPACT.
"It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices." - Albus Dumblebore
