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Politics and Activism

A Quick College Guide (For Incoming Freshman)

or "Why Ramen Isn't a Food Group"

9
A Quick College Guide (For Incoming Freshman)
Placer Union HSD

Good Morning my beautiful readers! I hoped I would get to entertain you with a 2-part interview with one Bernie Sanders supporter, and one Donald Trump supporter, but sadly this lovely publication has some website issues when coming to interview format. Crazy right? Thankfully, I have a pretty awesome editor who is helping me to work on this issue, so stay tuned!

First year of college is almost over, and my goodness, it feels great. I have met some pretty amazing people, had a lot of fun, and in between the stress and the goofing off, I have managed to learn a little (yay me)

But one thing that I've found is that most of those "College Guides For Freshman" that I received via email back in my senior year of high school were total bull. Well, maybe not completely, but for the most part they were. If you have never received one, than you may not know exactly what I am talking about, but for those who have, you know what they are. These emails are quick to talk about "Dorm room fung-shui" or "How to study all night long" and other goofy stuff like that. Most guides push sexual abstinence while simultaneously teach you that it is important to be in a relationship.

What is this, high school part two? Thanks but I'll pass on that.

Here are some of the things I learned in my freshman year that I wish had been part of one of those guides. (DISCLAIMER: These were not all self-learned lessons. A lot of these I learned by watching the actions, successes, and failures of friends of mine)

First, Talk to everybody. College is a new experience and I can almost guarantee that most of you who are just starting out do not have many friends here yet, which is understandable. Meet new people. Talk to that cute girl/guy. They are probably just as nervous as you and whoever you connect with at first can determine which friends last you a lifetime.

Don't be afraid to try new things. This is college after all. Break out of your comfort zone. Listen to this: HIGH SCHOOL IS OVER. Don't dwell in that four-year mess. Branch out, and figure out who you really are, not who other people want you to be.

Class is important! It really is, but if you miss a class here or there, it isn't the end of the world. You need to make sure that you are taking care of yourself first, then class. And plan your classes according to your routine. If you are an early riser, plan for morning classes. If you go to sleep late, take afternoon classes. Trust me, your body (and mind) will definitely thank you for it.

Be honest with people. These are the people you will be around for the next 4 or so years. Tell a lie and it will be found out. If you are concerned about someone, talk to them. Truth is a currency everybody has and all should trade in. Reputation is a fickle beast, and you want yours to remain in your control

Lastly, have fun! Relax a bit. Go on a crazy adventure with friends. Nobody wants to think back on their youth and remember classes and school all the time. Make memories that you want to make, and make a ton of mistakes. We can only grow by screwing up and making amends.

With that, I end my advice. Maybe soon you will read a College Guidebook written by yours truly. Who knows?

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