My cousin is coming up tonight to check out the local college. It made me think a little about my time in college.
For my Associates Degree I went to Ricks College (yes, it was Ricks then- BYU-Idaho wasn't on the diplomas until the semester after I got my A.A.S.). I went there basically alone. All my friends went to Idaho State or Utah State. I did have my grandma close by which was a great blessing when I got mono (and strep at the same time) from my dish-soap-phobic roommate. Also Sunday dinners at grandmas were a wonderful way to recharge for the week. I had a wonderful time, especially after I got involved in New Student Orientation.
Seeing my little sister prepare for college made me think of things I would do differently if I Redid my time at Ricks (this is also assuming I went back in time and was young again).
I would still live in the dorms my first year. I wouldn't, however, live in that cold basement apartment my second year. I don't know where I would live but not in the basement apartment (that I did see a hobo spider in).
I would get involved with new student orientation or some other organization earlier. I loved my time with new student orientation and it helped me meet so many different people and feel like I made a difference. I only regret that I didn't stay involved during my last semester.
I wouldn't be so self-centered (especially once I met John). My world after my engagement basically consisted of spending all my time with him (when he wasn't buried in the school yearbook office). I would be nicer to my roommates (well not the ones from Ohio) and do more things with them.
I wouldn't major in pre-dental hygiene. I would still minor in English - and would probably take more literature and writing classes (but is there a class that focuses on writing and not grammar rules? I hate rules.). I would go into social work. (Of course I didn't know what a blessing social workers were until we had Faith - in 2004 - and experienced their kindness at Primary Children's.)
I would go to Europe (with the English department) and not get married until August. It's funny, the two times I've planned on traveling to Europe I've had major life changes get in the way. The first time I got engaged and we decided to get married in June. The second time I got pregnant with little Buddy (and would have been 7 or 8 months along during the tour time).
And finally, I think I would have taken more Communications courses. The first (and only) one I took was my last semester. I really enjoyed it. And maybe some of the course material would have rubbed off on me more and I would be a better communicator/speaker/teacher.
So - to sum it up: If you're going to college make sure you: get involved and stay involved in student organization, explore more fields of work while taking your general classes, travel abroad (if that's your thing) don't live in a cold basement apartment (even though it seems like a good idea - convince your friends / old roommates to move somewhere above ground), and keep developing (and looking for )friendships even if you become twitterpated. Oh - and enjoy the journey. Pretty soon it will all be over.
Anyone else have some advice for those going to embarking on college this year?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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4 comments:
I loved my time at college but would have made a few minor changes. I wouldn't have spent so much time involved in a relationship I knew would never go anywhere. I would have taken more opportunities to explore new experiences through traveling, joining other clubs or attending other college sponsored activities. Most of all, I would slow down and enjoy my time in college more and not be so focused on "the next step"!
Loved your post. I think if I went back to school I'd major in media specialist. I think the librarians of the world have the coolest jobs!
As a former college academic adviser for students in the humanities and arts, my best advice is to do what you love. Don't cave into the pressure to do what will make the most money. Don't rush through school. Get involved in something you wouldn't normally try. Know when to say no, but also know when to say yes to risks and chances and spontaneous excitement.
I wish I could go back and try something different!
Thanks for writing today!
-Carrie F.
I agree with you on the travel. College was a great time to travel, and I would have loved to travel more. I was able to go backpacking in Spain with the Spanish club for one extended spring break. Then I went on a national exchange to Rhode Island and an international exchange to Mexico. If I did not get married the summer of my junior year I would probably have traveled a bit more my senior year.
I would still love to travel more someday. I dream of going back to backpack in Spain with my girls and would also love to go to Italy (and pretty much anywhere else in Europe) and South America.
Other than travel, I would just say getting involved in general wherever students' interests lie and to try things that they would have never imagined. For example, I took the radio DJ class and then had a show for a couple of trimesters, even though I surprised myself a bit!
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