Education

Welcome back! Now that you are in college after all your hard work – 12 years of high school and much more – we’re happy for you and wishing you all the best on your new journey.  Please remember and understand that the same solution does not work the same way for everyone.  We are simply sharing our experiences and solutions with you, hoping it will help you in some way, somehow.

Early in your life, before getting your degree and putting all your time and energy into things that may or may not change your life in the very best way, please do yourself a favor…take the time to learn more about yourself.  Find ways to do the things you love, the things that make you excited, happy, creative and more fulfilled in your heart, to live the life you want.

Part One of our first article was titled “What to do before college”. We recommend that you read it first.

Now let’s concentrate on Part Two: 
WHAT TO DO DURING COLLEGE

Congratulations! Now that you are at your chosen college/university, it’s time to plan and understand what or what not to do during college.  Doing so can help you create a memorable and beneficial education and life experience during your college years.

Here are some steps you can take to be successful with what you do in college/university:

• Talk to students in the same major as you to learn more about it as well as the methods of teaching of the different instructors.

• Plan your classes ahead of time. Before registering, know with whom you want to take your classes.  Take the time to ask students questions about the instructors’ teaching techniques and style. Doing so will make a big difference in the way you learn based on the way the instructor teaches.  Remember, not all instructors teach the same way.  If you don’t like their teaching style, you won’t get the best out of your classes, so do yourself a favor and do your homework; know what classes to take and with which instructors ahead of time.

• Don’t be in a hurry to graduate and don’t take classes you don’t like.  Time goes by fast, so learn as much as you can and take as long as you want because when you look back, you will see how time went so fast, you’ll wish you had taken the time to learn what you needed to learn when you had the chance.

• Take the time to read as many books as you can, and as you like, to get a little guidance for your way of life.  And, yes, this is in addition to your school books.  As your school books help you do well in your classes, getting the degree and the grades you want.  Additional books that you read outside of class may give you the guidance you need to live your life the way you want.

• Also, let’s not forget, it will be beneficial to talk to as many people as you can with people in the same field as you – people who can be your mentors and see how you can help yourself and others early in life.

. STUDY ABROAD…If you can, take a chance with study abroad.  This is an experience you will never forget.  If there is a culture in which you have an interest or a language you want to learn, you should have the courage to take the time to study abroad.  Learn something new and how the world outside of your own works to get the best lesson out of life.

• You will have plenty time to worry about things in life, so during college, learn as much as you can from your classes, instructors and more.  Have fun, learn and get the best education that will allow you to live the life you hope to live and have.

• Understand and keep in mind that the real world (meaning life after college) is not easy, so please take the time to prepare yourself for what is waiting for you in the real world.

• Don’t let time determine what you want or don’t want to do.  Time goes by fast, so do what you want to do.  Major in areas you know you will enjoy and make a living from no matter what (meaning time and money should not be the main reasons why you decide to major in this or that).  When you look back, you will know..having taken the time to learn and major in areas that you love, you will save yourself a lot of time just by taking the time to learn many valuable lessons.

• Start networking while you are in college and by the time you graduate, you will have enough help and guidance to go in the direction you’ve chosen and do what you want to do, with less time wasted.

• Don’t take only hard classes or only classes you need to graduate.  Learn to balance your class schedules.  Taking at least one fun class at a time, a class you’ll enjoy…doing so, will give you energy, motivation and the balance you need to do well in your chosen major.

• Use the resource center.  You can find the help you need if you are looking for it.

• Always attend class, pay attention, pay attention, and pay attention and take great notes, always.

• Turn in your assignments on time.  College is not like high school.  Understand the process you must take to complete your assignments properly and on time, always.

• Yes, have fun while you can, but don’t forget the main reason why you’re here is to get your college degree and better your future, so have fun, be smart, work hard and enjoy college life.

• Take the time to intern with a company for which you have an interest in growing and working.

CREDIT CARD

• This is a bit complicated because it can be good and bad at the same time.  On the one hand, it is good to have a credit card while you’re in college because it’s easier to get one and you can start building your credit history.  However, on the other hand, it can be bad because it’s money you have to pay back at high interest, which means if you don’t know how to manage your money, you can get in big trouble.  Yet, if you can control your spending and understand that this is money that needs to be paid back with interest, not money to be spent like it’s free, you can do well for yourself.

• Before you apply for any credit cards, take the time to understand the do’s and don’ts.  Know beforehand how it can really help or hurt you.  If you choose to go for it, make sure you understand the ups and downs of getting a credit card; then, if you believe it will benefit you more than hurt you, well, be responsible and go for it.  Build your credit while you can.

College is an important part of your life because it’s the beginning of your adulthood and your chosen future.  What you get out of your college years can be very beneficial if planned in the right way, so make the best of it.  Congratulations and Wishing you the best with all that you do.