A little advice

Posted Tuesday, August 12, 2008, at 3:12 PM

As a recent college graduate, I can honestly say that I am excited about the start of school. I have a younger brother who will be starting his freshman year at Indiana State University and a sister who will be in her second. I am very fortunate to be so close to my brother and sister. We talk to each other as much as our schedules allow and they are ready for the school year. I know that my sister is extremely excited, my brother is a little nervous and unsure as everyone is when starting a new chapter of their life.

As always, they ask for advice and guidance. My favorite was when I had to teach my sister how to cook Ramen Noodles. Yes, the joy of growing up can sometimes be a traumatic yet exciting experience, so I thought I would offer some advice to all new incoming freshmen that will be living away from home for the first time…

*	Just because your friends are putting it on Facebook doesn't mean you should. Facebook and MySpace are cool. People use it to stay in contact with friends and family. But remember, if you post it someone will see it, and there are some things you just don't want people to see. (If you question it, just say no.)
*	College is an amazing experience; you get a higher education, meet new friends, become an adult and live on your own, if you choose. But make sure you separate your laundry before you cram it into the washer. I know it sounds crazy, but it is really not a great idea to come home with three months worth of dirty laundry for mom to wash.
*	Read the labels on the packages before you cook it, and change the setting on your microwave yourself. Trust me, burnt popcorn smells horrible and that smell lingers.
*	There will come a time where your friends may try to talk you into "going out" for the night, but you have an 8 a.m. class the next day with a three-page paper due. DON'T go out with the friends, stay inside, write the paper, get up and go to class. Your grades will show it at the end of the semester and you will be proud of yourself.
*	Call home. Your parents, siblings, and other relatives want to know what you are doing and if you are safe. For some students your parents are paying for it, the least you can do is let them know that they are not wasting their money.

I love to learn. I think college was the best decision I ever made. It was the right choice for me. I had to make grown-up decisions but I could still rely on my parents to be there for me if I needed them. But I also know that it isn't what everyone wants to do.

College isn't for everyone, I have a lot of friends that didn't go to college or finish and they are very happy with their life, it is a choice that many people have to make. Take a year off before college if you want, a lot of people do that and do go to college. It can be done. But never lose sight of your dreams; even if it takes you the rest of your life, never lose that, and you will succeed.

Comments
Showing comments in chronological order
[Show most recent comments first]

I wasn't ready for college right after high school. I got a good job(you could do that back then) and thought I would work a year or two then go to school. Life happened...and I ended up working 12 1/2 years until the place I was working closed down. It was after this happened that I enrolled in school to become a nurse. I started college on my 31st birthday. It is never too late to go back to school. It has been my experience that most educated people are more tolerant and are more willing to listen to what other people have to say. Your advice to the incoming freshmen is to the point. If a person stops learning he/she becomes stagnant. You don't have to go to "school" to continue learning but it gives you a structured setting. Thanks for your insight and good luck to your siblings this school year.

-- Posted by virginiagrace on Wed, Aug 13, 2008, at 5:17 AM

Well, talking about waiting to go to college, I would give anything if I would've went right after high school, but here I am, 30 years later and going to college. I start Monday and I feel like I'm an old lady going to college. I do have a job and my classes are at night so that does help. Everyone tells me that I shouldn't feel like I'm too old, but I can't help it. I'm very excited about it though. The reason I made this decision is because I need a better job. I'm recently divorced and I've never been on my own in my life. Right now I'm working on my 60 hrs. and then I will be working on my major, which is Human Services. In one year I will get my Bachelors and in two, my Masters. My son went to West Virginia University and did very well. Hopefully, he took after his mom lol. I wish all the luck in the world to your brother and sister, Kimberly, and may you continue to do the great job you are doing.

-- Posted by LindaGleason on Wed, Aug 13, 2008, at 10:37 AM

Today is my first day of college and I'm a little nervous and excited. I went to the college and got my books, student ID, and username and password. I leave in about an hour for my first class, which is english, my best subject. Please, Kimberly, keep me in your prayers. Thanks, Linda

-- Posted by LindaGleason on Mon, Aug 18, 2008, at 4:40 PM

A penny for your thoughts

Kimberly Gleason

- Recent posts
- Archives
- Blog RSS feed

- Comments RSS feed

- Login

Hot topics

Bring on Spring!
(0 ~ 5:52 PM, Jan 24)

Try it on my own!
(0 ~ 8:34 PM, Jan 12)

I'm alive
(0 ~ 11:40 AM, Dec 15)

Black Friday
(0 ~ 12:40 PM, Dec 1)

I work at the newspaper
(0 ~ 5:13 PM, Nov 17)

Home