Work Hard, Play Hard

Know what’s important to you and work hard at it. Whether it’s getting good grades, scoring your dream internship or job, making new friends, getting fit, starting a side hustle, or all of the above—just remember to give yourself a break. After all, these are your golden year before full adulting responsibilities and bills. So work hard, know your priorities, chase your dreams, and have some fun while you’re at it.

As Mark Twain said best, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Be Kind

Remember to be kind to yourself and to others. You’re all going through a major transitional period so there’s bound to be stress, emotions, and feelings aplenty. Being self-aware enough to acknowledge that and choosing to be compassionate to yourself and those around you will take you places. Regardless if you’re having a good or bad day, greet each day and every person with a smile. You never know how much a simple smile could brighten up someone else’s day. 🙂

Follow Your Passion

Just think: wouldn’t your week be so much more enjoyable if you had at least one class you actually enjoyed? Showing up to core and GE classes daily and studying for seemingly endless midterms can get stressful and overwhelming. So consider adding an elective course in a subject your interested in before your schedule solidifies after week 1.

Get Involved on Campus

Look into clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that interest you. Honor even the slightest calling. You won’t have nearly as much time, freedom, and flexibility to explore your interests once you graduate. Not only will you discover your strengths and passions, but you will also meet a new group friends who share similar interests.  Doesn’t hurt that it’ll also look great on your resume. Wink.

Learn Money Management

Are you eating cup noodles and PB&J for every meal? Is it because you actually love noodles in cups and toast with condiments or are you strapped for cash? If it’s the latter, take a stab at budgeting with categories for books, food, clothes, and play. If you’re ballsy, you’d add a “savings” category. Your body and your future self will thank you.

Make Use of Office Hours

Don’t be intimidated by your professors! They are just like you, but older, wiser, far more knowledgable, and extremely passionate about a specific subject. Does that make you feel better? No? Does it help to know they were once students too so they’d know how you feel? In any case, don’t be afraid of stopping by and asking questions. They are there to help and guide you—don’t overlook one of the most underutilized resources on campus!