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A Letter To A College Student



We all fail in college. Whether with our grades, or our social lives, something happens that we wish didn't. It's basically unavoidable. However, how we deal with these failures and struggles defines how successful we are in our own lives. Graduating college is crucial in society's eyes to be successful. Even with different opinion, this list highlights things some may never even think about. Ive combined what I believe to be some of the most important factors in college. Its a-lot of pressure and a huge commitment physically and emotionally attending college but I believe all these will help you...I am anticipating missing college (or not at all) come December 13th so I want to give you ways to cherish it.



1. Coffee isn't just caffeine. Coffee will always be there for you. It is a metaphorical romance that will love you like no one else.

2. Use Campus Resources. All colleges offer excellent support services, such as counseling, fitness centers, health clinics, job placement, tutoring, and computer labs. USE THEM!

3. Everyone changes their major. Some change theirs more than others but its completely normal, just try to do it before you are in too deep with major specific classes.

4. Go to class! No one is going to hold you accountable for going to class or not. I understand sometime missing class is just what you need but figure out exactly how many absences are allowed per class so you don’t fail the courses with incomplete



Focus On Self-Confidence


Confidence is based on accomplishments, so work hard, do well in school, immerse yourself in things that interest you and become skilled at them. Building confidence is hard work, but going through life with low self-esteem, constantly doubting yourself and not believing you're worthy of quality relationships and opportunities is infinitely harder. If you have confidence, it is so much easier to get to know yourself. You are able to be more decisive and thoughtful, enabling you to make more informed decisions regarding activities and people

Take Care Of Yourself


Get into a health and fitness regimen while you are at school. Physical education and sports are not built in to your life in college the way they are in high school, and it is easy to pack on unhealthy pounds while you're first adjusting to school. Get some workout buddies to make it a social activity, or join an intramural league. But make sure you're exercising regularly and eating mindfully, it will help sharpen your focus and build your self-confidence.



“No one (including employers) cares how long it took you get your degree. Take the time to work on your resume before you graduate and make sure to take advantage of any career services your school offers — having a well crafted resume is your best bet to getting that job/internship you want post-college.” — Shonitria Anthony, News Editor for HuffPost Voices.


“Romantic relationships can be fun and important, but remember that this is also a time for you to grow as an individual — don’t accidentally isolate yourself in newfound love and forget to learn, both about and for yourself.” — April Saylor, Audience Development Strategist at HuffPost Partner Studio.


“No one is having as much fun as their Facebook profiles make it seem! Everyone is equally confused and scared and putting on a good front so no one from back home will think they’re lame.” — Alana Horowitz, Senior News Editor at HuffPost.


“Don’t make decisions out of fear. Write for the school paper; you’ll wish you had bylines later. Try out for plays even if you don’t get parts the first few times. Flirt with guys even if sometimes you get shot down. Seek out help if you need it, before you REALLY need it. Everyone fails and has private embarrassments, but risking things is also how you find the greatest success. When a guy starts ignoring you after a hook-up, don’t try to convince him you can be friends. You will look desperate and pathetic, even if you’re just trying to be nice. Be cool, okay? Just be cool. And do all the reading — all of it!” — Claire Fallon, Books & Culture Writer at HuffPost.


Do what actually makes you happy and don’t worry about having the ‘classic college’ experience. If you’d rather watch YouTube videos with your roommate than go out and party, do that. If joining a campus club or a sport is your personal version of hell, don’t join one. If something that is supposed to be ‘fun’ is causing you stress, just take it out of your life.” — Hilary Hanson, Associate Editor at HuffPost.


“Don’t bother yourself with what other people might think about your academic path or career goals, everyone has a completely different journey and there are so many opportunities that lie ahead. If someone is bringing you down (whether it’s a roommate, group project partner or ‘friend’), don’t keep them around (if at all possible).” — Joseph Erbentraut, Reporter at HuffPost.

Call your mom, she’s worried about you.” — Damon Beres, Tech Editor at HuffPost.



Get to know your professors.

You may feel you get lost in the crowd, especially in your larger classes. Evan Mistur, 23, a graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, suggests cultivating strong relationships with your professors. “These people are your lifeline to recommendations … it's important for them to get to know you,” he says. Introduce yourself, visit them during office hours and ask questions about your courses and interests. Who knows, they may be able to connect you to others in your field or help you get your first job out of college.


Be prepared for a roller coaster ride.

Some say that college is the best four years of your life. While it’s likely you will never have another experience like it, it will be filled with ups and downs. “There will be times throughout your college experience that will test your will power, and it is so crucial to stay strong and fight through it,” Hartman says. Finding your way to adapt to college is a normal challenge, and it will get easier over time, Dr. Marks said. He recommends using your support network of family and friends to help you cope with adjustments or reaching out to a school counselor.


College will fly by. “It’s the only time in life when you'll be surrounded with thousands of people your own age, and the last step before you begin the rest of your life, so enjoy it while you can,” Manapsal says.



People are a**holes in high school, but people can be a**holes in college too (shocker, right?). DON’T LET THEM BREAK YOUR SPIRIT. If they don’t know you personally, don't take it personally.


Just because someone desires you does not mean they value you. Read it over. Again. Let those words resonate in your mind.


What is meant to be will be. If a door has closed, stop banging on it. It wasn’t meant for you in the first place


Do your laundry and clean out your mini fridge. For real.

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