Lesson Two: Meet People

College is not a solo journey if you really want to be successful.  I've always advised students taking classes on a campus to meet new people.  In each of your classes, you should get contact information from at least two classmates (cell number, email, Facebook, etc).  If you miss a class, don't understand, leave the room, or just don't get it you'll have at least two people who may be able to help you.

Who else should you know?  Get to know your advisor (faculty or staff member that guides you through your academic career) because this individual will answer so many questions.  Such as, when would be the best time to study abroad, do you know somebody I can intern with, or which classes should I take when.  Whether you're going to class online or in a classroom; everyone has access to an advisor, mentor, or guidance counselor.

Other GREAT PEOPLE on your campus:

• Financial Aid, Disability Services, and Register/Records Office Staff: Great resources who sometimes don't get any "love" from students except for when they are needed; get to know the staff in these offices
• Career Services/Development, Study Abroad, Counseling: The staff in these offices can assist you in thinking outside the box; what possibilities do you have while in school to prepare you for the future?
• Campus Life: Student organizations, campus ministry, Greek life, the Student Union, etc.  Get involved! Make friends and get to know what the upperclassmen say about what's happening on campus and in the classroom
• School Administration: Whether it's your University President, area Dean, or Provost; these individuals want to meet students, hear your concerns, and build relationships too!  So setup an appointment and get to know them.

But I'm Not Like Other Students

Typical College Student No Longer So Typical

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129402669&sc=emaf

Why Kristin?

You're probably asking yourself, why should I listen to Kristin and not my campus staff and faculty?  Really I'm not asking you to only stop here for advice, but use ALL the people on your campus.  As a person who attended a large public university, there is nothing more important that asking for help from EVERYBODY- staff, faculty, administrators, other students, alumni...  You can read my bio on the side panel, but for over the past decade I have learned from my mistakes and the mistakes of others; advised students of all ages going through similar concerns; and loved almost every moment of my experiences (there are hard times during school).  Since leaving higher education in 2009, I've still taken time to help former students, friends wanting to go back to school, and anyone who is confused on their educational journey.  This is one of my passion.

Lesson One- My biggest advice: Get Documentation.  I don't answer to your institution, so you can't say "Because I learned on a blog this was possible, so that's why you should ...".
What needs to be documented (just a few examples):

• Doctor/Medical/Counseling Appointments (for absences, Disability Offices, and other purposes)
• Approval of Transfer courses or Course Substitutions (if somebody says you can do it, get their signature and contact information; and make sure you asked the RIGHT person)
• E-mails for Exceptions or Approvals (you may need to support why you did something to another person or department chair)
• Receipts of Payment (there can always be errors, so keep track of what you paid for and who assisted you)

Your education is important, but you have a responsibility to make these possibilities a reality.

Welcome [Insert College/University Mascot] to College!

The first week of college is always full of excitement, confusion, energy, and stress.  Do you know where you're going?  Who will I eat lunch with?  Did my book come in on time?  Do I have "that" professor?  Where do I park?  Did I pick the right major?  Will I have a date next week?  Put the unknown behind you and really think about what matters.  This blog will address these and many more questions, because there are so much possibilities during your time in college.  Whether going back to school after years or entering as a freshmen; you all have the same possibilities.  Major changes, transferring to a new school, studying abroad, joining an organization.... there's so much to do and discovering who you are part of the excitement.  And let me tell you, this "discovering" doesn't just happen in the classroom.  So get excited, meet new people, and plan ahead... Welcome or Welcome Back!