Growing up, I was never shy. I didn't have a problem talking to new people. I was never afraid of new experiences and I was definitely not a homebody. Needless to say, the social aspects of going off to college were not difficult for me. Of course, I had to learn the ins and outs of college, like time management, good study habits and networking, but I had a lot of help with that part.
I am a Luckyday scholar. The Luckyday program at Southern Miss is the best scholarship program in the country. Yes, I'm biased. But it's true. The next class of Luckyday scholars doesn't really know what kind of change is about to take place in their lives. Here are some tips that will help you out with being a Luckyday scholar and college in general.
Sarah Dixon and Larry Sparkman are two of the most phenomenal people you will ever meet in your life. They are dedicated to their jobs, and they will help you in any way they can. They are super smart, super innovative, very talented and also super fit. Don't take advantage of them. They take time away from their lives and their families to impart knowledge and wisdom into every single student that comes through their program. Take advantage of all they have to offer you, but don't use them.
Networking is key. Introduce yourself to your professors, your teachers assistants and your peers. You never know how much influence someone can have on your life (and your grades.) You cannot, and will not, get through college without developing proficient networking skills. It is a must. Deidra Ollie, a sophomore Luckyday scholar says, "College is about the people you meet. Value them as much as you can." Being connected and plugged in is going to get you very far in college. The memories will be sweeter, laughs will be longer and your future self will thank you.
Don't discredit anyone in the Luckyday program. Everyone is there for a reason, and nothing is by chance. All of you were handpicked with lots of detail and wisdom involved. (I know. I helped.) Everyone in the program is your family. You are surrounded by people who have a servant's heart, and that characteristic will develop more once you accept all of the people in the program. As long as you're in college and keep this scholarship, you will always have a safety net. These are the people you can call when you leave your ID in the residence hall, or you want someone to eat with in The Fresh. Don't take them for granted. Corai Jackson, Sophmore Luckyday scholar says, "Go into the lounge on random nights and days to get to know your floormates. You may find your best friend."
Take the Luckyday class seriously. I know you may believe it's going to be an easy grade that you don't have to pay attention to, but this class is beneficial. Some of the necessary changes I needed to make in my life stemmed from this class. You will laugh, you will cry, some days you be bored out of your mind, but push through it. This class will truly help you develop your character. It's necessary.
Go to Luckyday events. These events are created for you by people who think just like you (shout out to lead team.) We know what you like to eat, what music you listen to, how long you'll be willing to stay, and what friends you're going to bring with you. We cater events to your liking, and we definitely appreciate big crowds. Don't look at these events as "lame" or "childish" because they're actually pretty fun. They give you a chance to meet people in your Luckyday class, get a break from studying, and even keep you from having to fend for yourself when it comes to food.
Hannah Scott, Sophomore Luckyday scholar and professional peeper says, "Prime-time peeping hours are from 11:36 p.m. to 2:48 a.m."
A lot happens in these short hours. Living in Luckyday means you stay up in the lounge, high-key peeping at all the people hanging around Century Park South courtyard and the parking garage, having mini jam sessions, breaking up publicly and dressing up like fluffy, blue animals. You learn how to keep up with who's hanging with who by watching the garage stairs shamelessly. You lovingly disturb your RA because you may have accidentally run into the wall, but the laughs were worth her evil eye. You end up sharing stories and laughs that help define who you are and you want to be and that connect you with people who you know will have a huge part in the rest of your life. In this time frame, you will make the best memories, find your best friends and discover your best self. So take a seat, stay up late and put off writing that five page paper just a little longer. It isn't due until 9:30 a.m. anyway.
Finally, kids, here's a handy dandy list of things you need to do to get through college at USM:
1. Go to the library.
2. Go to your professor's office hours.
3. Get involved.
4. Meet new people. Don't stick to your friends from home.
5. Go to class.
6. Take notes.
7. Make study groups.
8. Sleep. (Sometimes.)
9. Leave the dorm at 3 a.m. to go to Waffle House.
10. Don't be afraid to drive to the coast just to see the beach.
11. Eat in The Fresh. You'll save money. It's really not bad food.
12. Save your bonus bucks.
13. If you need a day off, take it.
14. If you go to a party, be safe.
15. Don't use your friends.
16. Get a job if you need it.
17. Speak to random strangers.
18. Take a day to view the campus. It's really beautiful.
19. Utilize the speaking center, writing center and history lab. You'll thank me later when your professor gives you extra points.
20. Don't sleep in class.
21. Go to the Payne Center. The freshman 15 is real. So real.
22. Have an accountability partner.
23. Don't be afraid to date your freshman year. You might find the perfect guy for you. (Hey, Jeremiah!)
24. Don't always walk to class listening to music. Be aware of the people around you. Be present.
25. If you're late for class, it's OK as long as you're not late everyday. You have a problem if you are.
26. If you don't think you're going to do well in a class, drop it. Your GPA will suffer.
27. If you make a B or a C or a D... or even if you fail a test, it's not the end of the world.
28. Your professors want to help you.
29. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to prominent student leaders on campus.
30. Have fun!
College is fun! Sometimes even going to class is fun. The experience you have is dependent on who you are, who you want to become and what you decide to make of it. As always, love God and love people. And love Southern Miss! #SMTTT
