It seems like it was just yesterday when my parents dropped me off at my freshman dorm to begin my new collegiate adventure. I could have sworn the next four years would last forever, as I assume many incoming freshman do. It seemed as though I had all the time in the world to take the classes I was dying to take, to build up my resume and to make a lasting impression on the campus that I would now call my home away from home.
Although I feel that I have made a dent in both my personal and academic bucket list, I am now realizing, as a senior, that there are still milestones I have yet to achieve, both large and small. The start of senior year really has a way of making you feel as though your time is strictly limited, and, rightfully so. I'm happy to have come to the realization that I still have tasks left unfinished before my time is completely up, so that I can keep grinding away at those bucket lists. However, I also wish someone had told me the things that really should be "completed", in a sense, prior to my final year as an undergraduate student.
1. General Education Requirements
All I can ask, rather scream, at myself right now is, "Why?!". The fact that I am a senior and have yet to fulfill my math or language general education requirement is unreal. As a freshman I thought, "I have all the time in the world to finish those up, so why do it now?". Trust me, just do it. You will eliminate stressing your future self out and you will still have the knowledge of those subjects leftover from high school.
2. Build Your Resume
As much as you can control it, try not to wait until your junior or senior year to search for internships or other related experience in your field. Even if the internship isn't related to your field, you may surprise yourself and enjoy the work you are doing. If not, it is always great to continually add to your resume, as diverse experiences will stand out to future employers.
3. Say Yes
Get out of your comfort zone and say yes to academic, social and professional experiences. Sometimes it is hard to risk your own comfortability, but college is all about trying new things, learning and turning those experiences into lifelong lessons and memories. Now is the time to take risks, as I know now, no one ever gets anywhere by playing it safe all the time.
4. Pay Attention To Your GPA
No, your GPA is not all that matters. However, yes, it is still very important. Although "C's" are considered average, they really have their own special way of mysteriously bringing down your GPA. Keep track of your grades and calculate your GPA so you are aware of exactly how your performance looks on paper.
5. Participate
This goes for volunteering and going to campus events. Not only do these look great on your resume as extracurricular activities, they also really have a way of making you feel like you are apart of something important and bigger than just you.
6. Enjoy Yourself
I can't stress this enough. You can't comprehend how fast time really goes until you are a senior in college with the rest of your life lurking right around the corner. Experience, risk, do whatever you need to do to make these four years some of the greatest of your entire life.
