10.) Not taken Chinese
Okay, you most likely are not planning on taking Chinese, and I have nothing against the Mandarin language. My point is that I stuck with something that I was horrible at just to prove that I could do it. But I couldn’t do it, and I took my GPA with me.
Now I’m not saying that you shouldn’t test yourself. Of course you should, and there are plenty of opportunities to do just that. Just don’t torture yourself if you don’t have to.
However, if you are having problems in a class that you have to take, then be smarter than I was. Get help! Talk to your professors, find a tutor, study with another student—which brings me to number nine…
9.) Gotten to know my classmates better
This may not be an issue with you. But as a transfer student, it was for me. I didn’t stay in a dorm and I didn’t belong to a sorority, so I didn’t have a chance to make friends that way.
I made many of my friends away from school, but it would have been nice to have one more connection to the university.
8.) Not wasted my financial aid money
This is going to sound stupid, but it never occurred to me that I would have to pay back my financial aid money. All I saw was money in the bank. Now, I wasn’t going on crazy shopping sprees. But, I would occasionally think I worked really hard this week, I deserve this. Unfortunately, it’s college, and I had to work hard nearly every week!
Just be mindful that if you have a student loan, that money isn’t yours. Unless you have a scholarship, then by all means treat yourself (just don’t go too big!).
7.) Partied less
There’s nothing I love more than a good party. Even a halfway decent party. Unfortunately, though, I moved into a party house. I would try to separate myself at times to study, but do you know how hard it is to read Paradise Lost while people are playing guitar, laughing and talking all very loudly right downstairs? Sorry, Milton, you may be profound, but you’re not much fun.
Looking back, I think I could have found a solution in staying on campus after class and going to the library instead of just rushing home—at least on those days when I knew there was going to be a party. But really, it’s just a matter of discipline.
6.) Skipped class less
I am not a morning person, I will never be a morning person; but still, it wouldn’t have killed me to get out of bed and dragged myself to class. That’s what coffee was made for. And do you know what they have in excess in college towns? That’s right, coffee shops!
5.) Volunteer work
Now, I did do some, but never for very long. Remember, employers are looking at more than just whether or not you have a degree. They want to know what else you did while you were in college.
Look for a charity that is meaningful to you. If nothing really intrigues you, consider what you want to do for a living. Perhaps you could write grants for a charity, or help in their administrative offices. You’ll be helping and preparing for a career!
4.) Talked to my professors more
You’ll need them for references later! If anything, communicating with your profs may help you in class if you’re having problems.
3.) Gotten more involved with the school
I think that had I gotten more involved with school activities–whether they be student government, sports, or what have you–I might have felt more connected to the school. Honestly, if you don’t like your school, you’re not going to feel particularly motivated to do well in class.
2.) More extracurricular activities
How is this different than school activities and volunteer work? Well, I’m talking about the fun things. The things that you’re interested in that you may not be planning to get a career in. Interested in making movies? Join a filmmaking club. You don’t need experience; just learn from others. Take a painting or knitting class. Join a student dance or improvisational troupe. There are also great rec trips where you can rock climb, mountain bike or go kayaking.
I did some of these, but unfortunately, my Chinese class kept me too busy or I was too tired from partying the night before!
1.) Tried harder
Yes, I worked hard. But there were moments when I was more than happy to just get by. Shoot, there are still moments when I just try to get by. But those are the moments that you really have to try harder.
The papers are long, the class is too hard—doesn’t matter. Try harder! It’s hard to get to class on time, there’s too much homework—doesn’t matter. Try harder! The instructor is demanding, the class is SO boring–Well, you get my point.
And believe me, I’m cheering myself on just as much as I am you.