Going to a high school in a small town everything was handed to me. I didn't have to figure out how to do things on my own. because everything was done for me in high school when I arrived at my community college I was so lost and I didn't know how to navigate anything and this set me back 3 to 4 years. I know now how to do these things and I am continuing my college journey at OU. now, I would like to give you the tools to help you succeed and navigate through university. here is what I learned:

Tutoring: an abundance of universities tell their students that they have free access to online tutoring, however, most students don't realize that they have accessibility to other on-campus tutoring. at OU they have places like the language center where they will help you with your foreign language classes, they have a math and writing center and they even had a science center for all of your hard science classes. all you have to do is schedule your tutoring session with one of these centers and show up its that easy. if you show up to tutoring once a week and participate you will most likely succeed.

Studying: this is the same as tutoring you have to do it to succeed. you need to be studying at least every day to get great grades. there are 2 types of ways that you can study you can use the flashcard method or the foldback page method. when I study I use flashcards I buy them in bulk I am not kidding I have at least 25 flashcards sets on me right now. and I have more in my school supplies. I like using the flashcard method because I can turn my flashcards into a matching game and it makes learning more fun because I time myself and then I try to beat my time in the process I am actually learning the information that I need to. I always take 2 to 3 hours during the day and study. I do this as soon as we start a curriculum in class that way I am not behind and I am not waiting the last minute to study for the test and freaking out like other students that say they aren't prepared it helps when the test comes and I know I am prepared.

Using your apps: the reason this is so important is that these apps can help and remind you to study. you don't always have to carry your flashcards with you. you know that flashcards can become like bricks in your backpack well this is a way that you can always have your flashcards with you no matter where you go.

and finally, I saved the best for last...

Be serious: yes I mean it! you need to be serious about your education, you need to show up to class and not be late. you need to go visit with your instructors regularly and make sure that you are doing everything you need to succeed. also, pay attention in class. it will pay off in the end and you don't want thousands of dollars of your money or someone else's going down the drain. one way to be serious is you need to know how to navigate the financial aid, bursar, and admissions offices, know when to get your degree check, and know when to fill out the FAFSA to get all the help you need. you also need to check with the bursar regularly making sure you don't have any more charges on your account

I hope you all take my advice and do well this coming school year!