Have a Productive Summer

Summertime is when college students let loose. Nine months of academic hassles will make us. We don’t have to worry about getting up early, going to tutoring sessions, and carrying heavy books among others. The summer is the only time we have freedom to do whatever without it affecting our grades. However, the summer has its negative effects. That’s why it’s important to be productive. In school, students have daily routines that help them cope with academics, whether it’s working out or going to an athletics game.

Students, remain active during the summer. Don’t sit around the house all day. Numerous students gain weight over the summer because of this. They’re so worn out from school that they don’t have energy to do anything. Continue to work out. There’s nothing stressful about that. It could take an entire summer to release academic stress. Surprisingly, I exercised about five days a week last summer.

Spend time with your family. When you’re in school you miss them, so now’s the opportunity to make up for lost time. Your relatives will be just as happy to see you. Last summer, I visited my grandmother a lot. Wherever your parents go, you go (minus work). If your younger siblings want to be around you, don’t brush them off.

You may not like what I say next. If it’s possible take a class. You won’t have to worry about losing your academic mojo if you do. Based on what I’ve heard summer courses are not as tense. Classes tend to be smaller, which means you’ll have more interaction with professors. There is a trap to summer courses though. If you take one, don’t think it’s going to be easy. Approach it like you normally would. If you don’t go to school, read a book. Read something educational like a biography. Reading a little every day will keep your literacy up-to-par.

While it’s essential to remain active, it’s also important to not overwork yourself. Don’t feel the need to do something every moment of the summer. I understand you want to spend time with your friends. I know how important an internship is. Find a way to balance. If you work all day, use the evening to rest. Wait until the weekend to hang out (like you would at school). Keep everything as normal as possible. Don’t change so much over the summer that it will be a struggle readjusting to school. If I hadn’t consistently worked out last summer, it would have taken me a month to get back on my gym schedule.

View Greek Life from a Different Perspective

There’s boy in my school who joined a fraternity. He’s the same year as me so I’ve had the chance to observe him since he arrived on campus. He’s a party-animal and I thought: joining a frat would not be good for him. Well, he pledged and his partying increased.  He’s gone to class hung over and sometimes can’t make it out of bed in the mornings.

Students, join frats/sororities for the right reasons. Don’t pledge for the fun. Greek life goes beyond partying. Many students become infatuated with the freedom that comes with frats/sororities. The opportunity to drink without an RHA monitoring is something students can’t resist. Even the worst hazing won’t stop them from taking advantage. However, take a moment to think about the positive benefits that come with Greek life.

One advantage is leadership. All frat/sorority members have a chance to lead in some capacity; whether it’s presiding over a meeting or organizing an event. As you move up the ranks, there’s a possibility you’ll be president. Imagine being the person everyone in your house looks to for answers.

Another benefit is community service. It may not be exciting but everyone should give back. You’ve heard how powerful community service is on a resume. Employers love active candidates. As a member, you have no choice but to do so. Last year, a frat lost many members due to lack of community service. The members were busted for not upholding their pledge and were forced to leave. They joined the frat for the perks and weren’t willing to do other things that come with it.

It can get lonely in college, especially if you’re in a dorm where students rarely interact. You won’t have this problem in a frat/sorority.  Greek life revolves around interaction. You grow to love your brothers/ sisters. Yeah, it’s fun partying with them, but think about the family atmosphere. You’ll always have someone to eat, play cards, and study with. Speaking of studying, you won’t have to worry about grades. Greek members are held to high academic standards. If you struggle with a subject, a member likely has the tools for assistance. Everybody looks out for each other and these bonds last for eternity.

I’ve presented only a few of the benefits. So, think about them when determining whether to join. Don’t consider which frat/sorority has the best parties. Why jeopardize your chance of staying in college? Give yourself the best chance to succeed. And when you join a frat/ sorority make it a better place. Greek members are known as slobs. They’ve developed this reputation because they joined with the wrong intentions. You can help alter the public perception.

Don't Feel the Need to Post Everything

Last year on the news, I saw a sad story regarding a college student. A girl went out for a couple of drinks and unfortunately, decided to brag about the experience on Facebook. She posted pictures and a few choice words. Comes to find out: the girl had a job lined up after college. Her employer discovered the postings and decided not to hire her.

Students, be careful when dealing with social media. These days, everything you post can be seen by anyone. Sites like Facebook and Twitter have negatively affected students. Yeah, the students are the blame; but it’s a shame that nothing is a secret.

Partying is a part of college. There’s nothing that can be done about that. But, what happens at parties should stay at parties. Why do students feel the need to tweet that they’re drunk or post pictures of them dancing with a cigar in their hand? It’s embarrassing enough to be seen at a party in those conditions. Allowing the world to see takes it to another level.

Employers have every right to research job candidates. Don’t take it as an invasion of privacy. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you hire someone who’s potentially detrimental? Exactly.

Before posting, think about the professors who respect your work. Think about how your actions will reflect your parents. Most importantly, think about yourself. Imagine how everyone would view you in a different light.

Social media effects go beyond the work force. There are individuals with bad intentions; so be cautious when posting your whereabouts. I don’t understand why people have to tell the world where they’re going and what time they’re doing something. That’s saying: “hey, want to join me?” Unfortunately, people take it this way. This is how social media-related crimes occur.

A lot of the blame can be placed on social media sites. For example, Twitter allows you to tie your location to tweets. Yeah, that’s cool; but you don’t have to use it. People feel the need to take advantage of everything associated with social media. If society stops getting excited over these functions, sites will stop developing applications.

Also, don’t feel the need to post your thoughts. If you’re upset with someone, keep it to yourself. If you have a problem with a professor, don’t tweet about it. I overheard a conversation between a few students last week. One girl, who is a good student, said a professor approached her about her immature tweets. You see? You never know whose watching.

Social media is fun when used for the right purposes. Students must apply common sense when dealing with it. Before posting, they need to ask: will this affect me or anyone else? If every student uses this approach, social media stupidity will decrease. Guaranteed.

Stop Wasting Food

A few weeks ago in the dining hall, I noticed a student’s plates. On one plate, he had four pancakes and sausage. On another plate, there was an omelet. I thought: he has enough food to last a day. He ate half of the omelet and barely touched his pancakes. I know he didn’t finish.

Students, don’t waste food. Fix what you’ll be able to eat. You can go back for more. It’s frustrating watching students waste a lot of food. When taking my plate to the washer, I see half-full plates. Just because dining halls are buffet-style doesn’t mean the school has money to waste. Administrators know students have a large appetite, so they accommodate us. You remember the high school days when we were served minimal food. You craved at the opportunity to fix your own fish sticks and fries. I chose this selection because that’s what I have a taste for.

Anyways, now that students have the opportunity to make their plate, they don’t know how to act. If you can’t finish, take the food with you. You’ll likely be hungry later. Think about the individuals who have nothing. Yeah, you’ve heard that story countless times; but it’s true.

When students see something good in the cafeteria, they go crazy. They load their plate and don’t think about others in-line. Relax yourself when seeing Buffalo wings. There’s plenty. And don’t go for seconds if you’re full. If you have patience, allow the food to digest.

Don’t fix food you know you won’t eat. Don’t put vegetables on your plate to impress others. If you don’t want them, don’t bother.

It would be funny if colleges were to implement elementary school rules. I remember the days when we had to eat our vegetables before going for seconds. It was frustrating, but fair. Colleges ought to monitor students’ plates before they leave or go for seconds. Make sure students finish what they started.

When I cook, it’s a task. Knowing how much work put into it, I wouldn’t let anyone waste my food. Take a moment to reflect on the hours spent by personnel preparing the food. They likely don’t get paid much, but they faithfully labor to arrange a good meal. I don’t know how you feel about the food quality, but I enjoy it. Eating everything on your plate is the best way to reward workers.

Don’t allow this problem to turn nasty. If colleges were to implement some of the previously-mentioned rules, students would go crazy. They get upset when cafeterias have plastic forks or eliminate trays. Imagine the reaction to changing the policy on how we’re served the food.

Look for Internships

The other day, another student told me about his job prospects after graduation. A soon-to-be graduate, he’s had a job lined up since the summer. I thought: how’d he acquire a job nearly a year before graduating? Deeper into the conversation, he said it’s the same job he interned with. He impressed so much on his internship that the company decided to hold him a spot.

Students, apply for internships. You never know what they’ll lead to, as illustrated in my example. Apply for internships that correspond with your post-college desires. You’ll gain the experience necessary to attract employers. If the internship doesn’t keep you full-time, someone else will notice in your resume.

The job market is competitive. Internships will give you a “leg-up” on others. Speaking of the job market, don’t become discouraged if an internship doesn’t accept you. Also, don’t let others’ success prevent you from continuously applying.

It’s one thing to learn about a field in the classroom. It’s another thing to experience it in a job-setting. Internships will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed when you acquire a full-time job. You’ll already be familiar with how things work. It allows you to determine whether or not you want to pursue a particular field. A good thing about internships: they won’t make-or-break you.

When applying for internships, don’t wait to the last minute. It’s astonishing how students believe they’ll be hired a month before the summer. Before applying, research the company. Observe their motto and way of doing business. If you don’t like what they’re about, don’t waste your time submitting an application.

Once you obtain an internship, don’t be satisfied. Work hard and leave a lasting impression on the boss. Don’t approach it as a “job”. View it as a hobby. Love what you do.

Observe how others conduct themselves on the job. Find someone you can connect with and build on that relationship. Ask a lot of questions. Employees know you’re new to the job, so they won’t think you’re slow. It’s better to make a mistake trying to do the right thing as opposed to not knowing what you’re doing.

It’s important to use the principles learned in class. Internships want smart individuals, so act like one. Show employers you belong by displaying confidence. However, be careful in this aspect. Don’t show arrogance by thinking you know everything.

While working, keep in touch with your boss. Ask what you’re doing right and wrong. Make improvements while you have the chance. Show your interest is the company’s best interest.

Be Friendly to Prospective Students

A few years ago, I visited my current school for the weekend. At the beginning, I didn’t feel right. For one, I was homesick and it was my first time staying overnight on a college campus. The more students that loosened me up, the better I felt. By the end of the trip, I knew this was the school I would attend. If not for those friendly students, who knows what my feelings would’ve been?

Students, welcome prospective students with open arms. They are in the same position you were in a short while ago. On your campus visits, you wanted to see friendliness; so put yourself in their shoes and provide them with it. All prospectives have a tough choice to make regarding what school to attend. But we have the power to influence their decision. When seeing them on tours, smile at or speak to them. Most importantly, act mature. It’s frustrating watching students act crazy in front of tour groups. It’s an embarrassment on the campus community’s part.

Every year, many schools host prospectives for a weekend. Administrators constantly look for volunteers to host them. Be one of those students. It’s an excellent opportunity to take someone under your wing. You want someone to look up to you and this is the chance for it to happen. Prospectives have a lot of questions. Whether you host one or not, take the time to answer them. And don’t give half-answers. Thoroughly explain with sense. On my visit, some students didn’t know what to say when I asked them questions. As you would expect, the answer didn’t make sense. If you don’t know the answer, refer them to someone else.

When hosting, make the prospective comfortable. Clean your apartments before they arrive. It’s probably the only time you’ll clean anyway. As previously stated, students graciously welcomed me on my visit. They wouldn’t allow me to keep my head down or distance myself. Most prospectives are sad on visits. It’s important to keep their minds off of home because that’s where they’d rather be. Keep them busy. Even if it’s a break in the itinerary, do something. Take them to the bookstore, gym, whatever. Or better yet, ask what they like to do and base your schedule around that.

Don’t put prospectives in danger situations. Like you, they may like to drink. Don’t allow them to overdo. And make sure to keep an eye on them. The visit is not about you. It’s not the time to party with your friends or treat your girlfriend/boyfriend to a movie. Remember: parents are entrusting their child’s care in your hands.

Take Good Notes

A few weeks ago while taking a test, I got stuck on a question; but the answer was at the tip of my tongue. I had seen it somewhere. After searching my memory bank, I recalled seeing it in my notes while studying.

Students, take good notes. Stop letting your mind wander in class. Make it a priority to write everything your professors say. It can be difficult taking notes. Professors talk fast and some of the lectures are so boring that it’s hard to focus. But hey, find a way to pep up.

As for any class that’s interesting, it’s frustrating not taking down everything a professor says. Eliminate these frustrations by focusing on the main points. They are usually the first words professors say after pausing. The main points are also the statements that are repeated.

If you miss something, someone else likely didn’t. If you know others in the class, don’t hesitate to ask for their notes. They won’t think you’re a slacker for missing something. If they do, so what? If you know you tried, that’s all that matters. Also, secretly look over to the next person’s notes. Every one doesn’t take good notes. However, a good note-taker is likely sitting around you; so take advantage. It’s not cheating because it’s not a test. Speaking of a test, you know NOT to use this practice during one.

Don’t use the same notebook for multiple classes. This causes disorganization and unnecessary stress. If you forget a notebook for a particular class, jot down notes on a sheet of paper. When getting back to your room, immediately transfer them to the notebook. To continue on disorganization, don’t bunch notes together. Leave space to add anything that may be relevant to a topic.

Don’t try to write entire sentences. Use abbreviations and focus on key phrases. However, it’s important to fill in the blanks as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less you’ll remember what the phrase means.

Don’t hesitate to ask professors questions. If they talk fast, ask them what they mean. Someone else likely has the same question. This gives you a chance to regroup. When another student asks a question, write your professor’s answer. Anything is subject to appear on a test.

After taking your notes, don’t brush them off. Take advantage by reviewing them, especially in preparation for a test. When reading the textbook, have your notebook open. You’ll better understand the material because you’ve already heard it and the proof is in the notes. It’s easy for students to think tests are composed primarily of textbook material. During college, I’ve discovered how much professors value lectures. I don’t understand how students can come to class and have a blank expression the whole time. Some don’t bother to take notes and/or pay attention. But that’s another topic for another day.