Author : Simone Roy- Rollins | moniesspace.blogspot.com
This is the first time since 1997 (I think), that I am not preparing for the “First Day of School” this week. That’s crazy…. I have literally been in school, non-stop all of my life, and now I’m adjusting to post-grad life. BUT, to all students going back to school this week, more especially my college seniors… I have a few tips for you on how to go out with a bang!
Tip #1: Senior year is NOT blow off year.
This isn’t the time to become too relaxed. This is the time to not only finish strong, but get your post-grad life together; i.e., JOB! Granted, you’ve worked really hard to get to this point, but you wouldn’t want to jeopardize not being able to walk across that stage, degree in hand at the end of the semester or end of the year.
Tip #2: Network, network, NETWORK….
I cannot emphasize the importance of building your contacts, attending job fairs and joining that organization that will make a difference on your resume. Just because you are a senior in college, doesn’t mean it’s too late! This could be the perfect time. Maybe you’re taking 7 hours, able to pick up a part-time job and have time to be a part of something that’s not only bigger than yourself, but one that could take you from 0-100 real quick! Take advantage of those opportunities!
Tip #3: Don’t count down the days, make the day’s count!
Don’t rush it! Senior year, whether it be your last full year or semester (which is even better), will have you saying, “Man, I can’t wait until graduation!” You will mark your calendar days off, and before you know it, you’re ordering your cap and gown. Now nothing’s too wrong with this, but it could go both ways. 1.) You could have most of your post-grad life situated; from a job, to where you will be living and any other moves you plan to make. Counting down the days wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing on your part, but being that you only have the true undergrad college experience once, you want to make the absolute most of those days.
….And….then there’s 2.) those who don’t exactly “have it all together”, and count down the days, because they are simply ready for the “Big Day”. There’s nothing too wrong with this either…. except you’re having to do what you were supposed to before graduating and now you’re stuck with doing it after the fact.
Tip #4: Last but not least, as backwards as this may sound from all of the above, enjoy yourself!
It’s your senior year of college…. YOU MADE IT! Take advantage of opportunities you may not have been able to when you were first starting out in college. Step out of your comfort zone, and do something you never thought you’d do. There are some that make a name for themselves and build their reputations during the earlier years/stages of colleges…and then there are some that like to try things toward the end. Go strut like that Alpha because you want to, graduate with the “Miss Phi Beta Sigma” behind your name, save up your money, utilize your resources and go on that very last study abroad trip; just do some things you’ve never done before!
I will leave you all with the biggest tip of them all; whether you’re a freshman or a graduating senior. College is equipped to educate you. You pay teachers, faculty, staff and administration to help you in the best way they can, and equip you with the tools you will need to succeed in this thing we call “adult life”. With that being said, it’s up to you to take advantage of the great opportunity to attend college, that great opportunity being than to do more than just go to class. If you do all of the above, and more, with determination and very little distractions, the money you’ve put toward an education will be worth so much more after the fact. College, just like life, is what you make it; nothing more, nothing less! It’s an experience that’s like no other. Happy Last First Day of College, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
