Tips for the future college student by Greg Lewis II
College is a major part in a young adult’s life. As a future college student, you should be excited for what is ahead of you. Take the time to listen to these few words that may help you in your college experience and the journey you are about to embark on. My name is Greg Lewis and I attended both Stony Brook University located in Long Island N.Y., and Winston-Salem State University located in Winston-Salem, N.C. I am currently studying Marketing and promotions at Winston-Salem State and plan to graduate in the fall of 2008. I have had the chance to be a part of two very different institutions and experience what they both have to offer, which was an opportunity to reach my goals in life. The college you attend will become a place where your limitations should be pushed, a place where you feel like crying sometimes, and a place where you have some of the happiest times of your life.
College is a place of networking and networking is key to being successful in life. It isn’t always what you know, but who you know, that can get you where you want to be in your professional career. Landing a job is sometimes not as easy as we believe it should be, even if you are well qualified. This is when networking will come into play. In college, you will meet many people with many different things to offer. Some may become friends while others will remain acquaintances; but you should remember to utilize your options. That person you meet may have a connection to an internship that you may want, which eventually leads you to working for a company doing what it is you have always wanted. Accept help from others and you never know, you may be able to help them as well. In my personal experience I have found that meeting new people and networking is the best way to get your foot in the door of the business you want to be in.
In college, you will learn how to cope with everyday problems as time passes. One of the biggest problems I ran into early on was financial and money management. Books, school supplies, clothes, going out with friends, and food can become a huge expense. It’s important to watch the amount of money you spend so that you have money when you really need it. Instead of going out with friends all the time, limit yourself to the weekends and allow the week to be all business. When it comes to food, go to the grocery store and buy some things that will last for a while rather than the school cafeteria or fast food. This will be a lot less expensive than going to Burger King when you are hungry.
Another big tip is to watch what you eat. In high school it is a requirement to take a physical education class; in college you are on your own. Have you ever heard of “the freshman 15”? The freshman 15 is when the freshman doesn’t know how to diet or eat things that are healthy; rather they eat junk food and eat late at night, which results in gaining an extra 15 pounds. Now I’m not saying that it happens to everyone but to most it does. When I first began college I noticed I could eat wherever and whatever I wanted no matter how early or late, and in the end I gained those 15 pounds. There are many occasions when you and friends will just want to go and grab something to eat, maybe after a night of partying or just because that’s what you and your friends like to do on certain days of the week. Regardless you need to find a balance so that you can keep yourself healthy, I was a victim of the “freshman 15” and I am an athlete. So it can happen to anyone but you have to take on the responsibility of always being healthy.
Going into college, I was nervous the workload would be overwhelming. If you are one to put work off and always say you will get to it later, then it could become very stressful to get things done. If you stay on top of your assignments, go over your class notes at the end of the day while the information is fresh on your mind, you will be ok. This will help you to participate in class and in most college courses participation is key. It shows the professor that you are attempting to do your best in that course.
Living away from home will be a big change also. Dorm living has its ups and downs; for example, if you have a messy roommate and you’re a neat freak, you might have to sit them down and work out your differences. One of the main things I personally didn’t like about my freshman year was the showers. With one bathroom in each hall for all to share, it can be a difficult when you are in a rush and all the showers are full.
Despite these things, living on campus will bring you some of the best times you will ever experience in college. You will be able to meet new people every day and never miss campus events such as plays, football games, basketball games, baseball games, and lacrosse matches.
Experiencing all these things are a part of college and developing who you are as a person. You should push your limits to find out what you are really made of and to see if all that you were taught in high school will really work. Remember, when you are at college you are free to do as you please; no mom or dad telling you what to do; it’s just you making your own decisions that ultimately dictate your future. If you take anything from this piece, I hope it’s these few words: don’t over socialize, don’t procrastinate and make every minute count. Remember the importance of networking and growing into a well-rounded person. Learn from your mistakes and enjoy yourself. If you do these things, you are sure to have a wonderful college experience.