Photo Credit: John Morgan via Compfight
Today I’m happy to introduce to you to a substitute teacher here at The Skool of Life. Julie had asked me for some advice about putting some attention on the internship she was applying to, so I invited her to share her wisdom with the class. Be sure to stop by her page and vote for her to be selected as a summer intern at About.ME. And now… Julie..
Ah, college! For many people, this means a place of late-night cram sessions, congested parking lots, time away from home, and pushing the snooze button one too many times. But aside from gaining the “Freshman 15,” I had gained valuable lessons (and still gaining!) outside of the classrooms that I’d like to share with everyone. I consider these lessons as my “takeaways” and they include personal experiences or shared stories from my peers. And although this blog is geared towards college students, I believe it can modified to apply to your lifestyle because we are all students of life.
1. Take all the student discounts you can
**With the crazy increases in intuition costs, students are constantly having to worry about their funds and whether or not they can afford even eating lunch that day! Thankfully, there are plenty of supportive institutions that offer a financial break to the hungry folks. For example, just last month I visited the Peterson Museum in LA with a couple of friends. Being a student, I was able to get the admissions for half the price. And what you do you think I did with the $5 that I saved? I treated my friends out to tasty ice cream sandwiches after and it was a great Saturday.
2. Take advantage of your resources
Being in college really does have its perks and benefits aside from the knowledge gained in lectures. My gym membership contract with 24 Hour Fitness ended last month and I currently am in no position to renew it. (See Take Away #1) My campus, however, has an amazing student Recreation and Wellness center stocked with new equipment, an indoor track, swimming pool, etc. So, I keep my gym clothes handy in my car for the occasion that I have down time in between classes.
Need time to study or get research information? Hit up the library because it’s chock full of useful material that most students don’t bother to explore. In this Information Age of “Googling”, a small percentage of students actually walk through the book aisles anymore. However, some old library books may contain out-dated information and you have to be cautious! Even if that’s the case, you’ve gained insight about the thoughts and reasoning from the past and can use that methodology when dealing with other problems for the future. It is said history tends to repeat itself, right? Well, now you’ve got a different perspective and a little bit of wisdom up your sleeve
Towards the beginning of my college, I really wanted to move out of my parents’ home and be “independent.” After many months of self-reflection, I had realized my attitude was ungrateful. I am so fortunate to even have the opportunity to live at home while many other students do not. Free rent, delicious home cooked Vietnamese meals, and family time? It’s a dream!
Visit the Student Health Center on campus, inexpensive medical service & pharmacy prices that non-students wish they could have!
3. Take class time seriously
I can proudly claim that I rarely ever fall asleep during class time, no matter how tired I am. Even after pulling 2 all-nighters, I’ll make a conscientious effort to keep my eyes open and follow along. I’m paying my professors to lecture, why should I let the information go to waste if I skip class or nod off? With that question in mind, I have come up with solutions to counteract the intense sleepiness. Two methods that never fail: 1.) Positioning myself on the edge of my seat. 2.) Challenging myself by taking notes with my off-hand. #2 may sound somewhat silly, but I get so worked up with trying to writing legibly that I’m naturally motivated to stay awake. Throughout the years, I have grown to be about 75% ambidextrous and my penmanship has ridiculously improved. I must admit, it’s a pretty cool skill to have!
4. Take advice from your instructors
There may be are some professors you may wish to never see again, but then there are others that provide great guidance as possible mentors. Seek them c soak up the wise information they have to offer. They were once students just like you and can offer advice to save you time and energy. I am happy to have enrolled in some amazing courses and visited my instructors during their office hours. Build a relationship with your instructors because it may open up doors to new opportunities. You might end up getting a wedding invitation and taking part in designing their altar like I did!
5. Take every opportunity to network
Along with the previous takeaway, make connections with your peers. Talk during the class breaks, be friendly, and build bridges, and be a “yes” person when it comes to social outings. You never know where it may take you and what opportunities may arise. You know that Political Science course you were reluctant to go to every morning? That person sitting next to you might be your potential business partner or even the one that saves your life later on.
6. Take control of your appetite
Like many majors, the projects and assignments I’m involved with really takes a toll on my stress levels. During the nasty deadlines and the all-nighters, the first thing I want to do is take a Kit-Kat break, raid a doughnut store, or [insert another bad diet choice here], I have to constantly remind myself that each bite of unhealthy, convenient food has a direct effect on my health. Control what you eat, don’t let it control you.
7. Take care of your health
Your health is your greatest wealth. Without it, you wouldn’t have the energy to invest in other activities. I’ve come to learn that when you take care of yourself, most things will naturally take care of themselves. This rule also applies to your mental and spiritual health as well. When project deadlines and exams are approaching, time may seem almost non-existent. For some, fitness activity might not be on top of their to-do list. When facing that predicament, I try to hit two birds with one stone by propping up my study notes on the elliptical machine or treadmill and work up a sweat. Go in for check-ups if irregular symptoms show up or if you have the slightest concern about anything. Better safe than sorry!
8. Take a walk; take a breather
In times of cloudy, frustrating moments, it’s easy to get caught up and lose your train of thought. One way that may ease your stress levels is getting away from it all momentarily. Take out your iPod, pull up your favorite music playlist, and get oxygen flowing back while being a different environment. Once you feel ready, return to the problem with a refreshed mindset. It’ll make all the difference in the world, especially if you’ve been struck by inspiration by something you’ve seen during your walk.
9. Take a trip
Go out, TRAVEL and see the world! I highly recommend venturing a different country by enrolling in a study abroad program, even if it’s just for the summer. At the age of 20, I had never before flown on an airplane. Two years into college, I saw a flier in the Design department that advertised the opportunity to travel to Italy for the summer session. How did I respond? I immediately took out student loans in order to make it happen. After 5 beautiful weeks in Europe (Italy, Paris, Greece and Turkey!), I had taken a total of 8 flights that summer. How’s that for my first traveling experience?
10. Take a chance
Wander off the beaten path, get lost, go exploring, and take a leap of faith! College is the time to make all the mistakes before you enter the “real world” where there are larger consequences. During class presentations, disregard the anxiety and fear of appearing incompetent in front of your peers or doing something wrong. There’s no such thing as perfection. Imagine college as a scholastic incubator: a nurturing (sometimes nerve-wrecking!) environment to develop into a capable and educated individual. Also, this includes taking a chance on allowing people into your heart. Sharing quality time on Earth with others makes life worth living.
11. Take initiative
Every move you make has consequences. If you choose not to move and wait for things to come to you, life’s opportunities may fly right over your head. Enter competitions and apply for scholarships– even if you feel as if you’re not “good enough.” Regardless of the outcome, you’ll gain experience and skills just by trying! A personal example I’d like to include is my participation in the Internship Challenge hosted by AOL in New York. To win, I have to share my profile page with everyone I know to obtain the highest number of votes. I’m up against other ambitious college students and there’s a chance I might lose, but also the chance of winning. Nevertheless, I’m still trying my best and getting my voice out there. With persistence, every bit of effort adds up if you just do it. (**Help me win by voting! www.about.me/ohjulieho)
12. Take the negative people out of your life
Throughout life, you will cross paths with many different types of people, some of whom will change your life for better or for worse. Absorb the healthy habits from those you admire, and dismiss those who repeatedly drag you down. Life’s too short to be caught up in a bad storm of negativity. Use your best judgment to weed out those with bad intentions and surround yourself with genuine and motivating individuals. It’s amazing how much your attitude will improve over time. In addition, try your best to rid from destructive thoughts. If you fall short in achieving a goal, forgive yourself and try again. One of my favorite quotes from “The Alchemist” by Paul Coelho reads: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Always, always, ALWAYS keep hope alive in your heart.
13. Take note of your development
During this time in your life, you may feel like you know all the solutions of how the world works. Truth is, life is just barely unraveling. During my sophomore year in college, one of my dearest friends suffered an unexpected stroke and passed away. Just in an instant, he was gone at the young age of 22. Life is so fragile and utterly short. It was a difficult time for all the lives that he has touched. One method I used to cope was keeping a personal journal. I desperately wished he was still around to talk to, but all I could do was write, write, and write. After many months of doing so, it eventually became a habit to record my thoughts and plays a huge role during personal reflections.
14. Take a lot of photos
Pictures are worth more than a thousand words. Capture the beautiful, fun moments with friends and awesome trips you’ve been on, print them out, and keep them in physical albums or scrapbooks. These will be reminders of the unforgettable memories you’ve created for yourself that you can share with the rest of the world.
15. Lastly, take your time
Remember that life isn’t a race, and your college experience isn’t an exception. The things you’ve accomplished, mistakes you’ve made, friends you’ve attained, and the life lessons you’ve learned are part of the great college experience. With four years already under my belt, I look forward to my last two years before the big graduation day in 2014. Yep, that’s 6 years total for my undergrad degree, but I’m absolutely okay with it because I’m enjoying takeaways #1-14.
About the author: Julie Ho is currently working on her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial Design at California State University, Long Beach. Find out more about her: www.about.me/ohjulieho