Dear Joshua,First of all, I would like to let you know that I am so happy for you.
It only seems like yesterday that you were this little boy who cannot even spell his name. But now, you’re already about to attend college. You’re taking the first step towards achieving your dreams. Indeed, time flies by so fast.
As I was writing this letter, I cannot help but reminisce my own college days. To be honest, I was dead scared of college back then. So many questions raced my mind. What if I might not last even for just one semester? Will I be able to balance school and a part-time job? Will I survive living away from home to begin with?I am sure that these are the same questions that are running through your mind right now. Let me assure you – such concerns are normal.
It is really difficult to leave the familiar world of high school behind. But as the saying goes, the only thing constant in this world is change. You must be willing to embrace change if you want to become a better person and get what you want out of life.I must make one thing clear to you, though – college is an entirely different world from high school. In college, you’re basically on your own. Don’t expect to be spoon-fed like in high school – professors won’t remind you about due dates and “special projects” just won’t make the grade.
It’s either you pass or you fail.Thus, effective management of resources (time, money, etc.) is the golden rule of college life. Sure, college life is synonymous to freedom.
But college students in general are also assumed to be adults who use this freedom responsibly. In high school, you’ve always wanted to be treated like an adult. You’ll have that wish granted in college – the only catch is that you’ll have to act like an adult as well.To be able to do so, the first thing that you have to remember is that you are in college to learn.
Study hard – laziness will never get you anywhere, be it in school or in the real world. Never assume that you can get everything done in you own time. Unless you’re in medical or law school, there is nothing cool about spending five years in college. At best, it will only earn you a “slacker” reputation.As a college freshman, you’ll most probably carry a full load of college credits. Consider earning these to be your full-time job.
In other words, take every subject seriously. Make the most out of lectures, quizzes, homework, projects and exams. Leave cramming behind in high school – last-minute efforts will never earn you high grades. Most professors regard slacking off in class as outright disrespect for them.Should you work while studying? While part-time jobs are great sources of tuition and or spending money, never forget that you are still a student. Look for a job that is flexible.
It should have a schedule that can be rearranged when there are field trips or at finals time.Is it okay to join campus organizations? I suggest that you get yourself acquainted with college life first before rushing to join that fraternity or sorority. See to it that the clubs that you are going to join will not consume precious study time. If membership in a particular club is causing you to cut class, fail tests or turn in mediocre coursework, then drop it right away. Just think: getting expelled also means kissing your beloved organization goodbye.What about relationships? Given college’s heavy workload, don’t be surprised if you don’t have time to date or don’t have as much time to spend with your significant other.
Keep in mind that passing subjects is more important than your libido. You don’t have to be Casanova stuck in a university campus. But you have to survive until your sophomore year.I’m not saying that college is all work and no play.
My point is that if you want to survive college life, it would be best to work first and play afterwards. Don’t let minor concerns such as clubs and relationships make you lose sight of your original goal of earning your degree. It may be difficult, but marching on graduation day is all worth the effort.You can do it! Good luck!
