Oh The Places You'll Go!

This summer I've had the privilege of assisting with freshman registration at the University of Illinois. I look forward to going into work each day and meeting the bright and eager students anxious to register for the first semester of what make up their college experience at Illinois. While each student takes extreme care in planning their schedule so that they satisfy general education and departmental requirements, some fun questions are bound to come up simply because they have only just begun. 

Should I take Dance or Ice Skating? I got 14 credit hours, so I'm all set? And how about I just don't schedule class on Fridays? Are all some of the wonderful questions I have been asked. As I answer their question a sharp nostalgia brings me back to when I was in their exact shoes. And while it's perfectly fine to sign up for dance, have 14 credit hours, and no classes on Fridays as a first semester freshman, there are some alterations that might make life a whole lot easier a little bit down the line. 

With that - whether you are an incoming freshman or a rising junior like me, here is some advice I have found to be extremely useful throughout my college path.

1. Set Goals. 

So you don't exactly know what you want to study and definitely don't know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Doesn't really matter. One of the best things about college is the freedom it gives you to explore each and every interest you may have. With that, it does not mean blindly putting yourself into courses and experiences without having expectations for yourself. It's so important to set goals, no matter how small they are. Even if you don't have a distinct direction, everyone should know what type of student, club member, or leader they want to be. 

2. Get Involved. 

One of my biggest regrets from freshman year was not "owning" my freshman experience. In high school things are so different because the number of clubs offered and your class size are both tangible concepts. It's easy to see where you fit in, in the bigger picture. At college things aren't exactly like that, and your picture is multiplied by like a thousand. While that is definitely not a bad thing - it can make picking a club a little daunting. Still, do your research on what you want to be involved in and then join. One of the biggest reward is being apart of something and watching it grow. 

3. Look ahead. 

Now, this isn't to say look so far ahead that you become overwhelmed and aren't enjoying the present. However, there is a common misconception that college takes place in an alternate universe that isn't directly connected to the "real world." As fun and exhilarating as that idea may be, it's just not true. While college is an absolute blast, a time to explore and a time to be selfish. It's also a time to learn, develop and a time to create yourself platform. If done correctly, this platform can position yourself to truly take on the world and achieve your goals. 

XO,

hb