By Tia Saluzzo
As the school year starts up again and we take on exciting new classes, challenging projects, and thrilling experiences, it is important to think about ways to make the most out of the next four months in order to fully rock the next semester. Whether you are a Freshman just starting out or a Senior going into your final year here at our beautiful Alma Matter, we all desire the same thing: to be someone that matters in the world. College is our opportunity to do great things – to learn valuable skills both inside and outside of the classroom in order to become prepared for a life outside of these grounds. This idea is both exciting yet intimidating at the same time, but fear not! No one is alone – and it is with this in mind that the following back to school tips have been created in hopes of providing an important stepping stone that may be need to start off on the right foot of achieving this goal of success.
For Freshmen:
1. Go to as many orientations and events as you can – Most Freshmen are experiencing the same thing: a new environment unknown to them, new people from all kinds of different backgrounds, and all without the comfort of their homes and families to get them by. Attending events is one way to meet new people and make friends that will allow your transition from high school to college become more manageable and enjoyable.
2. Find your classrooms before the classes start – With a school as small as Hood, it is easy to quickly learn your way around; however, there will always be an adjustment period. Finding your classrooms the day before (or even an hour before) the actual class begins is a good way to make sure you are on time and aren’t fumbling around at the last minute causing you to miss important information.
3. Communicate with your roommate – If there is a problem, address it immediately. Roommates last for the entire school year; that’s a long time to be angry or annoyed with someone. Clear communication from the beginning is the most important part of dorm life, but you should always remember to be respectful if you wish to gain that in return.
4. Get organized – Getting organized (and staying organized) is an incredibly important part of the college experience. Each student has responsibilities, whether it be homework, going to class, sports, clubs, or a job, and it is very difficult to juggle everything without some kind of organization. Create a schedule that works and hone in on some time management skills in order to avoid extra stress.
For Sophomores:
1. Meet with your advisor to map out a plan – Be sure to use your advisors to help plan out your college future. Discuss the classes that are required
for the core classes, your major classes, and any minor classes and come up with a schedule for each semester and keep note of which classes you need to take in order to graduate on time.
2. Declare your major – By this time you might have an idea of what you are interested in studying full time. If you don’t of course no one will rush you, but keep your head up and maybe even play around with your schedule a bit. Also, look into some classes you may be interested in taking. Talk to the professors! A major deserves a lot of time and energy dedicated to it and its classes so before you declare a major make sure it is something you are passionate in and have no qualms about.
3. Don’t be sad if you drift away from friends – Once you declare a major, you will be spending a lot of time with other people of that same major. They share the same classes (most of them multiple classes in the same semester) so it is inevitable that you would begin to grow closer to these individuals and would perhaps begin to stray away from your hall mates. It happens, and it is just a part of the college experience.
4. Get your core requirements out of the way – Odds are that there is at least one subject that is unbearable to each student. However, more than likely, this subject is part of the core requirements that each student is required to take. Take your least favorite subject early to get it out of the way.
For Juniors:
1. Get your resume in order – Junior year is the prime time to start looking for internships and getting advice on how to begin your job search. However, in order to do this you must have an up-to-date resume. You should always have an updated version of your resume ready at a moment’s notice.
2. Get an internship – Internships are a crucial part of resume building and the experience they bring simply cannot be taught in a classroom.
3. Know the resources offered to you –In the Career Center students can find internships, learn how to interview and create a resume. The office also assists with where to begin searching for jobs.
CAAR, the center for academic achievement and retention, is also another beneficial resource given to students.
4. Save your money – It doesn’t have to be all of it, but it would be a smart idea to begin to put some aside for after college in case you haven’t already. You will thank yourself when the time comes.
For Seniors:
1. Attend all the job fairs you can – Job fairs are an easy way to network. Dress professionally and
bring copies of resumes – you never know what this opportunity may bring.
2. Don’t slack off – Senioritis is a real thing. After four years and with the end so near it is normal to lose focus and motivation for school work; it is understandable. But, you must push forward. Now is not the time to slack. Now is the time to work harder and make a name for yourself – to do something that you will be proud of after graduation and in years to come.
3. Search and apply for jobs – This is the hard part. The search for a future career can be tedious and overwhelming but it is a necessary stress. Take it slow. Do simple searches and expand from there – don’t get discouraged and don’t ignore any job listing with potential. Keep your options open.
4. Relax – Despite everything, the most important thing to do during Senior year is relax. Take a deep breath. You’re fine. It is not necessary to have everything figured out or planned yet; life is a surprise. Don’t slack off, of course, but don’t spend all your time working. Now is the time to make memories and enjoy the time you have left here of your home for the last four years. Enjoy it.
With these tips and the strength and dedication that each Hood College student is capable of, each student can pull through the stress and have an awesome and successful semester.
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