Things I will do differently if I was a freshman again: College is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, the tensions and anxieties of being in college can prevent you from enjoying the experience. After paying so much, you have to make it happen for yourself.
Don’t turn back
I was told to forget about college when I first arrived in the city. It was a simple calculation: I had just arrived from a poor country in West Africa, I was broke, I had no housing, I didn’t have enough funding, I didn’t have any connections around and obviously didn’t know anyone who could change my situation overnight. I almost gave in, but I am glad I didn’t. Your initial challenge might not be housing, money or community related. Whatever it is, don’t just turn back.
Finding money – Ask, ask, ask.
When I realized I hadn’t received enough funding for school. I raised money for school. Ask, ask and ask again. I am still fund-raising for school in between working on my thesis ideas etc. I always wish I was going to have a full semester without worrying about money for school. Well, that wasn’t my lot but I am in my final year! Everything worth having is worth working hard for. www.keeposekreinschool.com – this is how I do it to keep going. Don’t drop out. Ask, ask and ask again. However, fund-raising in my opinion isn’t the best way to go through school. Because you usually start classes when everyone is already started and you’ve secured multiple extensions, you probably can’t get into some of the exciting and fun classes because you have a hold, you spend more time thinking about calling another friend of a friends’ friend while your friends are learning passe compose and imparfait in class. Do everything else first, when it all fails, raise funds! It’s not easy but if that’s what you have to do, just do it.
Choosing classes – Keep it balanced
I followed my advisors advice to diversify my classes. I didn’t have to do too much reading or too much calculation for one semester’s work. You might want to take every class on Plato, but taking all that in one semester can make things boring. Keep it balanced! It will keep you wholesomely challenged and engaged throughout the semester.
Classroom manners – Talk, know your prof’s preferences
Don’t hesitate to participate in class discussions. It’s the only way to keep your interest in your class going and it helps recollect ideas you might use for your quizzes and finals. It also helps to know your Professor, and what he expects from students in class. Make it a habit to ask, “What do I need to do to get an A in your class?” There’s a formula for success in almost every engagement. Know the rules, and formulas for getting the best grades in every class you sign up for and take advantage of your TA’s!
Studying – Find a spot, get your group
Find your favorite study spot. Invite a friend to study. Study partners help you to stay on your toes. They can become lifetime friends. If you are both single, buy each other a drink! Sparks may fly, but study!
Barnard–- A Columbia experience
Take advantage of Barnard and its facilities. Barnard students should also take advantage of what Columbia has to offer. The Columbia experience is incomplete without the Barnard touch(it’s more than a touch), neither is the Barnard touch complete without the Columbia experience. I went to a boys’ boarding school so I take a class in Barnard every semester to make up. It’s been rewarding. Don’t ask me how … go find out.
Make friends – Be yourself
Making friends takes time, but make them. Don’t force yourself on people. If you are not invited to the party, bake your own cake. You can always make new friends anywhere. Some people don’t know the name of their roommates. Lol(that’s not funny and it’s totally illegal).
Do something new –- How about Tai-chi?
Have you ever played soccer? Leave those freesbies alone! Have you ever dated a guy outside your race? What are you waiting for? You are in college for heaven’s sakes! Find out about the free salsa or ballroom classes. You can try boxing, or go fishing if you can find a pond. Find a river or use your aquarium. Just fish!
Enjoy the experience – It will go by quickly Walk the pavements, checkout the neighborhood, eat at some historic place or just share meal with your room mate, visit a museum, or the zoo(have you seen a snake before?), ride a bus through town, get a cheap ticket for a broadway show, party at a frat house. Talk to security or the driver of the shuttle bus if you have a long ride (one of them exchanges DVD’s with me and we sometimes catch table tennis over the weekends). Befriending the driver of the shuttle bus is definitely a pleasant experience I will be leaving Columbia with, because our conversations about life and good laughs have always been worth it. I know he is working, but he is also a person!
If you will do it – be sexy
If you decide to do it, then do it safely. RA’s have tonnes of condoms to give! Also, if you want to make out? Please ask first. Asking is sexy. Different cultures have different ways of approaching a girl. Make sure you ask. I believe that is part of every culture.
Just do it! Now that you’ve gone beyond the application process and the headache of shopping around for schools is over, you are where you wanted to be. Well, maybe you didn’t want to be here, but you are here now. Do everything you dreamt of doing. Just do it. You dreamt of things you will do about your talents, your interests, your passion, your future and even changes from your past. Here it is. Just do it. I have done soooo much but there is soooo much more I can’t do!
Have fun, because you must, but study if you want to!
Check out www.versesforthemasses.com and pre-order my book to see how college and life in the city has shaped my perspectives on life.
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