Passion

When you’re in college, sitting in your first semester classes, millions of thoughts are running through your head. “She has a cool notebook,” or “I wonder what’s for lunch in the café today.” Do you ever really sit and think about what’s next? You have your major set, but is it the right one for you? Does this major help express your talent or passion? What are you great at and could see yourself doing for the rest of your life? These are the questions to sit and ask early on before getting into a major and deciding to change it at the last minute. Need help figuring out your passion? TGHT has you covered.  

Create a Career

Many people don’t know the difference between a job and a career. When choosing a career, you are choosing the kind of work you do based on your interest. It’s more long-term; even if you switch companies or organizations, you’re still in the same field. Do you want to jump from job to job without honing in on a particular skill-set or do you want to know all there is to know about a particular field and type of work? You’ll choose this path for yourself, and college will help you turn your passion and talent into a career you love.

When you speak…Listen

What do you enjoy doing? When you’re sitting alone, relaxing, where does your imagination lead you?  Take notes when you have free time and answer this question. It may be a tough one to answer, but everyday take notice of the things that interest you. 

Be Open

Yes, you’re in college and you have your major set. Even though you have your classes planned for the next year, stay open to new ideas. A new opportunity may arise where you can take an extra elective course. Take it! Find something that interests you and don’t be afraid to step out of the box.

 

Find a Mentor

Do you know someone in your family, community, or university that interests you? A person that talks about the same interest you have and seems so passionate? Don’t be afraid; express your interest in learning more and ask them to be your mentor. People are usually thrilled to teach someone or have a person to talk about their passion with. 

Photo Credit: Forbes.com

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within yoru the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman

Perfect Study Spot

When making the transition from high school to college,  new ways of studying have to be put into place. High school provides you with lots of quiet time in your room, after school tutor sessions, or open book/open notes test. In college things, are quite different. You have more freedom, activities to get involved in, and no parents to answer to. You may think you can open your notes for a few in your dorm before the test or run to the library for an hour, but those two places are full of distractions. How can you find the perfect study spot without interruptions? TGHT has a few ideas. 

• Pick one indoor spot and one outdoor spot. Both locations should be noise free with wireless access if you need it.

• Your outdoor spot should be a nice shaded area with a great view. Enjoy nature while reading for your history class or reviewing for your next French oral test.

• Make sure the locations are "your" spots; always choose the same area. Let a few friends know where you are for safety reasons.

• A small coffee shop is also great for studying. They’re normally quiet and have great snacks. 

Photo Credit: HERE

Do you live on campus?

When you live on campus, life is so much easier, right? You’ll be in your dorm studying and preparing for the next day’s lecture...NOT! On campus, you meet tons of new friends, attend events, and get involved in thousands of other things that do not involve studying. 

• Find a study spot someplace other than your dorm room. Head out to one of the local study spots we discussed previously and keep your dorm room for last minute overviews.

• Instead of heading back to your dorm for a quick hour nap, spend that in between time studying. That hour or two before your next class starts is the perfect time for studying while your mind is fresh.

• If you have plans to visit friends or family on the weekend, plan accordingly. Make sure you get all studying done during the week in your designated locations.

Living off campus?

Living off campus gives you more freedom and more study spots to choose from, but commute times can throw your whole day off. 

• On campus study spots are a great idea, so find a location and stick to it. Just because your last class is over doesn't mean you must race home. Enjoy campus life for a few hours.

• Coffee shops near your apartment or house is also great for off-campus students. Make sure it’s not during peak hours and wireless access is available. 

• Public parks or flower gardens are great study spots. A nice scenery and just the right amount of serenity helps you stay focus. 

Where was your on or off-campus go-to study spot?

Culture Shock

During the first week of college you’ll notice many different types of people. Culture shock can make you feel surprised, anxious, and confused and usually occurs when you’re exposed to a culture that is very different than yours. Are you a first generation college student? If so, this can be very hard for you because family may not understand the college transition.  International students also may experience culture shock because of the language barrier, different taste in foods, religion, and relationships.

Students who experience culture shock often try to isolate themselves by staying in the dorm, not attending campus functions, and even not making new friends. She may also spend a lot of time missing home and talking to family and old friends. Crying, over eating, over/under sleeping, withdrawal, or missing class are all signs of culture shock.

Photo Credit: www.petersons.com 

See this in your college roommate or friends, encourage and help them adjust to the new life experience. If you’re reading this and feel you’re experiencing culture shock build some strong peer relationships, find a mentor, join a student organization, get involved on campus, or write in a journal. Do not give up on your college education!