College and You

It's that time of year again. And for a lot of young people, this will be the start of one of the toughest transitional phases of their lives. With that, I feel like sharing some words of wisdom for those heading into college that I wish I had received when I first started.

1. Go to all your classes. This sounds common sense, but once you get into an environment where attendance is not mandatory, it becomes very easy for people to think, "well, if I just miss class, it's not the end of the world." Unless you are sick or have a family emergency, show up.
2. You're not in high school anymore. Don't treat the classes like they're high school classes. Once again, common sense, but I know there's quite a bit of slackers out there. You know who you are. The smart kids that could blow up homework/studying till the last minute and still manage to ace your class. Yeah, unless you're one of those 12-year-old child prodigies who are going into college, I doubt you'd be able to do that and get away with it. Get used to working for your grades...hard.
3. Do not be afraid to change your major. Let's say that you get burned out of your original major first year. Do not become hardheaded, and refuse to switch your major. It is not a failure to do so. I guarantee you that you are not the only person that's going to be in line at your counselor's office to do so. Thomas Edison had to try a bunch of times to invent the light bulb, so why should you have only one chance to get your major right? While we're on that topic...
4. Generals first. Then major studies. This will save you time in the long run, if, of course, you're part of the majority that will change their major by the end of their college career. If you take a bunch of classes pertaining to your major, THEN have to switch, you're probably looking at another year tacked on where if you take your generals first, you will still be on the same track as you were in your previous major.
5. That party crowd will not be there 5 years from now. Being away from home is a big deal. But use it to prepare yourself for the future, not to black yourself out by doing body shots off someone. I seriously worry about the young people these days. I know drinking has been a huge staple on college campuses for a while, but it is getting more and more rampant now. A lot of people won't escape that lifestyle. Don't be one of them. There is ton more enjoyable activities on campus than just alcoholic consumption.
   
6. Don't forget God. I thought this would be a non-issue with me, but it wasn't. In the process of getting good grades and the like, it is easy to let God slip to the side. Do NOT let that happen! Keep your first love in the front of your mind, and let school work come second.
   
7. Find a church near your college. This one applies to anyone traveling away from home for college. Pretty much every college town will have churches offering open-houses to incoming students. Look around. Find a church that preaches the gospel and that you feel comfortable in, and be sure to attend it! A good church family (even if it will be a temporary one) goes a long way.
8. If you're staying close to home, keep going to church. Once again, a no-brainer, but you'd be shocked how many neglect that.
   
9. Find a Christian group at college. Once again, sharing in fellowship goes a long way in keeping you from getting too far gone from your relationship with God. Moreover, these are the people who will see you everyday, and will also be experiencing some of the same things you are going through on a daily basis. Stick with them.
   

That should be it. I hope everyone has a good/safe year at school.