Originally published on May 22, 2017
Here is a list of 10 things I learned in the past year. Some
are very specific things I learned, and some are advice I wish I could have
given myself, in retrospect, and will keep in mind for next year.
1. Too many nights with too little sleep will start to catch
up with you.
Despite what you might think, whatever you are watching can wait
until the next day, or the weekend. Keeping yourself awake in class in never
fun and makes the days drag even longer. Don’t let your first thought of the
day be “I’m definitely going to bed early tonight”, because it’s just not going
to happen.
2. The more you get done in advance, the more you get to sit
around and do nothing.
A stress-free pre-finals week is always a bonus. You can
relax and watch the Netflix you put off, or just silently pat yourself on the
back. Just make sure the work is quality work and not rushed. Also don’t shut
off your brain during finals week, despite not doing anything the week before. Finals
are important. Very important. Usually.
3. If you have a problem with a class, talk to the professor.
They will listen to you, and what you have to say to them might be things other
students want to say as well. If you work together, you can turn your most
stressful class into a class you almost look forward to each day, knowing your
grade will be pretty safe.
4. It’s okay to do extracurricular things, and it’s also okay
to say no.
If you are running 16 hour days for a month straight, find a way to
take a break. People will understand. The thing you love shouldn’t be causing
you pain and stress, especially if it’s on top of the usual stress of college.
5. If it’s clear the textbook will just be regurgitated in
the lecture, save time. Don’t read it.
However, for the final, definitely read
the textbook to fill in the blanks of your notes.
6. Sometimes things just fall into place.
For example, Honors
requirements relaxing, or a degree program becoming very flexible and
achievable.
7. Carry everything on a flashdrive.
Not only because your
laptop might decide to not participate, but also in case the network for the
entire university is down and your presentation is stuck in your email. This is
for the sake of your professors’ sanity as well.
8. If you’ve discovered a new passion, or a path to a new
passion, go for it!
Keep up with whatever you are doing, and find a way to stay
with it. Perhaps there will be a job on the horizon.
9. Take opportunities as they arise.
You don’t always have to
follow the rules, and sometimes the things you are presented with are better
for you in the long run.
10. Time goes by way too fast.
If there’s something you want
to do, find a way to make it happen in the next two years. Enjoy the experience
and the atmosphere and the people.
Happy summer, Lakers!
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