Freshmen, if you can read this, you’re probably not drunk. That’s a promising start to your college career. I truly hope that you’ve attended some of the welcome week activities. In addition to discovering that a person can be instantly hypnotized, you probably realized that this university is sincerely trying to prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead.
When I went through the process, the group leaders, tours and icebreakers were helpful. However, I remember that the recent graduate who spoke at my Freshmen Convocation gave some lousy advice. This is what I wish he would have said:
You have the power. If your life was an episode of “Charles in Charge,” you would be Charles. It’s your decision whether to go to class and do your homework or to party every night. Your parents aren’t here to enforce a curfew or set your alarm clock. You are in control of your actions and reactions — a power that shouldn’t be taken lightly. As Winston Churchill said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.”
But fun also comes with power. It’s good to be the king (or queen). Do whatever it takes to get psyched up and ready to attack the day. Wake up every morning and do jumping jacks. Do your best He-Man impression on your way to class, shouting “I have the power” at the top of your lungs. If you’re worried people will look at you funny, you should know that most of the student body idolizes a grown man on a scooter who passes out candy from a tool belt each Friday.
Give every class a chance. Just because a course isn’t in your major doesn’t mean you won’t learn anything valuable from it. You might even discover a new passion in the process. The National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 6 out of 10 incoming freshmen will change their majors at least once. Use the core courses as your ticket to explore a career you have never considered.
Read. The fact that it’s the third day of classes and you’re already reading the Daily News is a fantastic start. Challenge yourself to read every book for every class. Tests will be much easier. Reward yourself when you accomplish something. You don’t have to treat everyone you know to Puerto Vallarta every time you finish a project (although, if this is how you plan to celebrate, please Facebook me). Just take a few hours to refresh yourself doing whatever you love.
Negativity is poison. If you’re trapped among peers who are complaining about classes, professors, Ball State, Muncie or the world at large, then your positive energy will be drained by their pessimism. If you’re trapped among gossiping middle-aged women making chirping noises, then you’re stuck in a scene from “The Music Man.” In either case, get away as fast as you possibly can.
You have made a great decision by coming to college. By your senior year, you will have redefined who you are by carefully evaluating your values, priorities and beliefs. You will soon discover that what you get out of your time here is equal to — and often greater than — what you give. There will be heartbreaks and triumphs, cruddy weather and blue skies, campouts at Bracken Library and afternoons napping by the duck pond.
What do I want to do with my life? Should I follow my dreams or major in something practical? How do I get that girl or boy in my psychology 100 class to start or stop staring at me? As you answer questions like these, you will be transformed into a far more self-aware, inspired and thoughtful individual.
Welcome to college. Now, lower your shoulder and tackle the hell out of it.
Write to Brian at
bggorell@bsu.edu
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