Author: mint

The transition from high school to college may seem intimidating, but I have found a few tips to make the transition smoother. My first secret is that you need to make a list of things you want to do before you go to college, and then work towards these goals every day. Eventually, these habits will become second nature. I have found this to be beneficial with homework and keeping my room tidy. Another secret I have to share is to try things seven times. Sometimes, we have biases over things before they begin, which can make us not want to try new things. I did not enjoy my high school library because there was always loud music in the background, so coming into college, I subconsciously decided I did not want to study in the library. However, once I did try it, I was able to focus the entire time I was there. This tip can be used for a variety of things, and though you don’t necessarily have to try things exactly seven times, make sure that you try something long enough for it to be a genuine attempt at liking it.

My third secret for new students is to talk to as many people as you can in your first week of school and try to stay connected with them, at least for a month. It is very difficult for many people to reach out to others, but when you start at a new school, it is important to try and meet as many people as you can. This was helpful to me when I met a girl working at the Weidner, and then she ended up being on the grand council for the sorority I was rushing for. That small connection helped me get in, and this happens a lot in college. My last secret is to work ahead. I recommend doing everything as soon as possible because once it is done, you don’t need to think about it anymore. This may be something that you have heard before, but in college, you are given a lot more time to complete assignments, so the quicker you get it done, the more time you have to do other things you enjoy!

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     Getting involved in college can be a scary thing to do. Leaving the comfort of your dorm to meet new people may be intimidating, however there are many drawbacks to staying in your dorm and watching Netflix. Not leaving your room can lead to a lack of physical activity and social interaction. It can also fuel anxiety, insomnia, and irritability, and it can also weaken your immune system because of lack of exposure to different things outside. However, getting involved can help you explore new experiences, discover fresh hobbies, and build lasting friendships. Making new friends can be easy, and there are many different ways that you can get involved on campus. A great way to find different clubs in college is by attending the fall and spring orgsmorg, where all of the UWGB student organizations present what their group does and how to join. Orgsmorg can be a fun activity to participate in with your roommate or a small group of friends. The dining hall also prints weekly pamphlets on activities taking place around campus.

      I am currently involved in one of the sororities on campus, Theta Eta Alpha, and I have already made so many amazing friends through the group. I highly recommend joining a sorority or fraternity on campus if you are looking to make new friends. If you aren’t sure about joining one, at the beginning of each semester, all fraternity and sorority life (FSL) hosts events to get to know all of the members. For Theta Eta Alpha, we did “speed dating,” Just Dance, karaoke, and watched Mamma Mia. I also attended bingo and trivia nights, and they are a great way to meet new people by talking to people you may not know sitting at your table. I know what it’s like to get overwhelmed by getting too involved; I had to quit a few different clubs that I had wanted to join because of different commitments. A good way to plan is to make a schedule of your day and fill in times for meals, sleep, class, and studying, so you can see how much time you are willing to put into extracurriculars based on the things you already have to do in your day on paper. But remember, you need to stay focused on your schoolwork because that is why you are here – to excel in the path you choose. I know you will do great at whatever you do.

Forever and always,

Mint.

 

Source: https://m.facebook.com/teauwgb/

     From being your typical 10 pm curfew-bound teen with no exceptions, to stepping into a dorm room infested with spiderwebs, my worldly possessions fitting into three laundry bins, and a quick wave goodbye from my family, I finally found myself with something I had dreamed of since middle school – freedom. As I peered out of my window and scanned my event calendar for the upcoming week, a mixture of excitement and melancholy washed over me. My schedule was filled to the brim, leaving little room for free time. But, regardless, I was looking forward to my journey at UWGB. After setting up my room, I spent the rest of the week making new friends and getting used to the idea that now, I was in charge of my own decisions.

     Living on my own came with its own set of pros and cons. On the plus side, I could choose my own curfew and do whatever I pleased whenever I pleased. In theory, I could stay out all night, skip classes, and spend my days as I saw fit, free from the watchful eye of my mother, constantly dictating my every move. However, there’s something I’ve come to realize which may be seen as a con – I don’t actually do any of those things. I still wake up at 6 in the morning, and I make sure I’m fast asleep before the clock strikes 11 pm. I could leave my bed unmade or let my rug go unvacuumed, but the small habits I picked up from my mother continue to influence me to this day. Sometimes, it feels as though she’s still pulling strings in the back of my head. Perhaps, in the end, I’ve turned out more like her than I ever anticipated. But, in some ways, I can’t help but wonder if that’s such a bad thing.

Always and forever, Mint.

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