College Happenings

College is probably going to be remembered as a great time in your life….but it’s going to shoot by before you know it.  As a result, you need to take advantage of the time you have now.  There are things you can do now that will help you in the future…and these 5 things will help you with life after college, but they can only be done, while you’re still on the inside.

5. Join A Fraternity or Sorority – There are two types of people in the world…people that can’t wait to join a frat in college, and people that hate all those people in frats in college.  There are more of the first type, but those of you in the second type list…you need to read this, and pay attention.  Joining a Fraternity or Sorority his a LIFE LONG association that will help you find jobs, get promoted, get into clubs, get discounts on t-shirts – you NAME IT…if you have a fraternity brother or sorority sister, it doesn’t matter if they even know who you are…you’ll still advantages that others won’t.

Is it fair?  Maybe not…but life isn’t fair.  Join up…you’ll thank me later.

4. Befriend a Professor - Not all of your teachers are jerks that are out to ruin your life…and you know it.  You don’t have to start going to dinner with them or anything, but becoming friends with one (or all) of your Professors has its advantages.  When it comes time to get a nice recommendation letter…who better to turn to?  When you need an extention…who’s your buddy?  More importantly, some of these people that are older than we are actually…gasp…know a few things.  They’ve already done some of the stuff we’re thinking about doing…and even though they haven’t lived our lives…they can provide some valuable advice from time to time.

3. Finish a Paper a Week Early – I know, I know…there are so many things to do.  How the hell are you supposed to get finished with something as long and tedious as this early?  Well, you do it by setting your priorities, and focusing on the task at hand.  This is a personal goal you can set that has a very rewarding outcome.  Do this once…just once…and you’ll want to do it every time.  Finishing up BEFORE the deadline is a skill that you need in college, and in almost any job you get in the outside world.  You’ll find yourself more prepared, more relaxed, and you’ll have taught yourself a great lesson in getting ahead.

2. Stop Picking on the Nerds - If you’re not one of them, then you are picking on them…making fun of them, or watching as others do it.  The problem with that is they grow up to be Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or maybe just your immediate Supervisor.  I know it’s fun to mock how awkward they look, act or possibly smell…but remember, if it wasn’t for nerds, geeks, and dorks, you wouldn’t have that cell phone, game system, or car.  Hell, you wouldn’t even have those condoms you SHOULD be using.  Geeks, nerd, and dorks make ALL THE COOL STUFF that you use…so cut them a break.  Get out of the habit now, and you’ll be a better person that is not only more likable, but that can also work better in modern office team environments.

1. Cut Class - What?!? Doesn’t this contradict the rest of the list entirely?  No…because I don’t mean cut class everyday.  I mean cut class at least once.  You have to learn to enjoy life, to do things without planning from time to time, and to have fun.  Have your own college version of Ferris Buller’s Day Off…but then get back to class the next day, and be sure you make up any work you missed.  Life is about a balance between work and play…and if you never play…work will eat you alive.