Monthly Newsletter p. 6

Page 6

LUAQuotes.com Monthly Newsletter

Text Box: As a recent college graduate, I have learned several valuable lessons over my 3 years in college that I feel may help those in, and going to, college. Keep in mind that these are just tips, and everyone’s collegiate experience is different and should be treated as such. Attend your classes! Such a simple rule, but many I knew in college (including me at times, with classes I felt I could) fell privy to skipping. Some colleges even have attendance programs. Mine had a policy that if you missed more than 3 classes, your grade fell one letter. If you’re having trouble waking up on time, ensure that you are not up all night partying or pulling all-nighters! Get to bed on time, and get into a schedule! Get involved! College is supposed to prepare you for the future, so get involved in things you see yourself doing in the years to come, i.e. volunteer activities. Most colleges offer a student activities site on their webpage. Explore this. Keep in mind that academics and activities should balance each other out. You don’t want to become so busy and strained that you can’t pull good grades. This can be a problem especially when getting involved in Greek life. Although a great opportunity,

Text Box: sometimes it is better to wait until your second semester or year when you are able to understand how much time you really have to devote to activities. Activities also look great on resumes! Respect your roommates/hallmates A lot of schools have disciplinary programs for those who disrupt dorm life. In order to avoid getting written up, letters sent home to your parents, etc., just be courteous to others. Would you want someone blasting music that you hate while you’re in the middle of studying for a make it or break it chem. Exam? I didn’t think so. The same goes for drinking. Many students in college get MIP’s and written up for underage drinking. Although I cannot say I was innocent in this subject matter, I was also much more cautious. Don’t walk around holding a plastic cup—which tells every RA that there is most likely beer in there! Don’t come into your door in a drunken stupor. These things are dead giveaways for RA’s to write you up! Be smart about it. Watch out for Credit Card offers! I still receive between two and five credit card offers a week. They are luring, I will admit, but they can also get you into a lot of

Text Box: trouble. Do you really want to pay back thousands of credit card bills on a workstudy check? Or after you graduate when you have student loans to pay back? Although a couple credit cards is good for building credit, make sure you stay on top of paying them—and not just the minimum payment! Don’t be afraid to ask for help I have seen so many students struggle in classes because they were afraid to ask questions. If you feel unable to approach an entire class about questions, meet with the professor. Most professors have office hours that are open to students. Many will even set up tutoring with one of their better students so you can achieve to your utmost. This is very important. I attest that it is what contributed to all 3 years of a 4.0 GPA for me. Do your homework! When teachers assign work, even if it will not be checked, it is pertinent to your education—even if you can’t see it at the time. With time you will discover which readings you can skim in order to focus more on others, but do not do this in the beginning! Be the ideal pupil, and your parents and teachers will thank you!