The warm weather has returned, classwork is dwindling down, and you're slowly watching the calendar in anticipation of graduation day.
While you may not be "officially" done with high school yet, I think it's safe to say you've made it so without further ado...
CONGRATULATIONS!
College is the next chapter in your life and not to scare you, but you don't have long until you start this chapter. At the same time, I am in a similar situation as you ... except I am graduating from college.
With new journeys ahead for the both of us, I'd like to use my final blog post to remind you of three key things you should do in your next four years. I think it is evident that I did all of these, but I promise you that they will make a world of a difference in your college experience.
1. Learn As Much As You Can
While I do recommend keeping your grades intact, the more important part of college is that you learn. Learn something, anything! Inside the classroom, outside too! In your major ... yes even in your core requirements. Continuous learning is one of the simple joys that we receive every day, so take advantage of it! All of this learning will ultimately shape you into someone with a core set of values, an open view of the world's injustices, and someone who really knows who they are inside and out.
2. Get Involved
Do I need to even reiterate this anymore? Yes? Ok, here we go ...
College won't be a positive memory for you if all you do is go to class and go back to your room. Even the workaholics need to have fun! So join a club ... who am I kidding? Join multiple clubs, attend events regularly, and just do something beside going to class! While it is great to have good grades and have money from working a job or two, employers will want to see that you did more than just classes. Get involved—end of story.
3. Give Back
Last but not least, give back. Going to college is a gift in itself, so give back to those who are in need of some help. And I'm not just talking about those without a home, a job, or a meal each day. While I do think it is important to help them, giving back can also come in other forms such as mentoring a fellow student, volunteering within your major, or even picking up the trash that is so often seen on campus. Giving back comes in many shapes and forms, so find the one that works best for you!
And while I may not meet you or see you progress over these next four years, I hope you take these scattered pieces of advice to heart and will use them as a guide.
I wish you all the best of luck and I hope that college is just as memorable for you as it was for me.
Signing Off,
- Dan Luner // Cabrini Communication '16