Fresh Perspectives

About a week before Christmas break, I was asked the question, “What are some things incoming freshmen students need to know to be successful during their first year of college?”

I pondered this question for a few days and then got wrapped up in the holiday cheer, but no worries, I’m finally ready with an answer (a month later).

A’hem (throat clearing)…in order to evolve into a prosperous individual during the course of your college career…

OKAY, OKAY.  Let’s cut out all that fancy-shmancy talk!  Succeeding in college isn’t impossible, or even difficult really.  There’s no need for a huge introduction.  No ‘How To’ manual or even a clear cut checklist to follow.  Most of the things you need to know/do to succeed your first year in college are common sense when you think about it. 

Now, I realize that ‘thinking’ and ‘common sense’ may be hard for a few freshmen, especially the ones with the ‘WHOOOO….freedom to do whatever I want so let’s party all the time and never study’ mentality. Yeah…bad idea!  Not only will you not succeed with this mind frame, you’ll probably fail out of school and end up back in the ole parental unit’s household again.  So…to assure you that doesn’t happen, I’ve narrowed my ‘College Success Rant’ down to 2 main instructions.  The first addresses academic success and the second, social. 

ONE:  Go to class.  If you never open a book or do any homework (which I don’t recommend) you will at least be somewhat knowledgeable of the material by simply being present during lectures, class discussions, etc.   Also, attendance is often times a percentage of your grade in a course, so what easier way to start off with higher than a 0% than showing up, right?  And for all you beauty queens complaining you didn’t get enough beauty rest the night before – remember - there’s no dress code in college, so even if you’re rockin’ the Tweety bird slippers and Barbie night gown, at least you’re there.

TWO:  Get involved.  This will ensure happiness during your college years.  There are hundreds of opportunities to have fun and make friends at school.  Whether you join a Greek organization, intramural sports team, academic club, community service crew (you get the point), there’s something for everyone to find.  But YOU have to take the initiative to get out there and get involved around campus.  I promise, doing so will not disappoint!  By getting involved, you create for yourself an avenue to meet people, develop lasting relationships, and unforgettable memories.

So, there…you have it!  I hope my two easy rules will help a few college freshmen along the way!  Any other questions regarding the freshman experience or life at USC are completely welcome!

Until next time….Aloha!