I'm BACK folks! Just in time for the beginning of a new school year. I promise to be better about my blogs this year (seriously).
For many of you, freshman move-in and orientation has already completed, and you are awaiting the first day of class. For the rest of you, get ready, stay calm (and sane), and safe travels!!
As you begin a new adventure in college, it's important that you know a few important things before you even step foot inside a classroom. Parents, this goes for you too. Read this, remember this, preach this, practice this. It will help the rest of your college experience run a lot smoother and drama free. After all, "college IS the best time of your life." I would pay money to be able to do it all over again right now. My parents told me that when they dropped me off in Charlotte 16 (ouch) years ago. How right they were (for once)!!
I joke, but there are a lot of things my parents left me with that day that helped me. So as I impart knowledge to the next generation of global leaders, I'll share these nuggets with you as well:
1. Know your surroundings...at ALL times. Being in Washington, DC, we have students from all over the world. I can't explain how many times I've heard students claim "I'm from {Chicago, ATL, Charlotte, LA, Miami, NY, etc.}." At the end of the day, Rakim said it best, "it ain't where you're from, it's where you're at." Translation: Your new environment is NOT your home environment. Don't get comfortable and don't think that you are immune to crime because you are on a college campus. Be alert and be aware. Don't walk around at night alone (campus escorts are on every campus), stay in groups, and DO NOT...DO NOT walk around with earbuds in your ear not paying attention to anything or chatting away on the phone.
2. Make a good connection with your roommate now. Or suffer the consequences later. It's that simple. This will be the closest person to you for the next year. Discuss cleanliness, company in the room, respect for each other's space and privacy, and anything else that is necessary NOW.
3. Get your technology access issues addressed before classes start. Find out the campus network info, and make sure your computer can access it.
4. DO NOT go credit crazy. While many credit card companies have been prohibited from lurking on new students on college campuses, still be mindful of any offers for credit cards. If you must, have an emergency card (preferably one tied to your parents account) so that you can use it for necessities (flights home, etc.). Start good financial practices NOW!
5. Remember why you are here. It's not to join a sorority or fraternity, meet a husband or wife, play sports, sing/act or whatever else....you are here to GRADUATE. From the first to last day you need to remind yourself of this.
6. Keep your parents informed and aware of your academic and personal progress. Per the FERPA, universities (including professors and administrators) are prohibited from sharing personal information with parents, including grades (yes...I know..but YOU pay the bills..we get it). To circumvent this, have your child sign the appropriate forms allowing you access to this info. It saves a lot of headaches for you all later.
Keep these things in your mind at all times and you are well on your way to a great start to the school year. Now, remember this doesn't include the academic issues you will face, and the numerous personal ones either. It is a great start though to the best time of your life...ENJOY!
