Emily Harrison
Staff Writer
As the college deadlines approach and our hairlines recede, seniors have one question (or 500) running through our minds. “Where will I decide to go?” “What will I do if I don’t like my roommate?” “Am I going to be okay on my own?” “What should my major be?” Preparing to go off on your own for the first time in 12 years is something scary to think about, and the newfound freedom may be a bit overwhelming. But fear not, because this column is full of tips to keep your heart rate down and your mind open.
Deciding a major is one of the most stressful things about applying to college. Not only is the price of colleges astoundingly high, but we as seniors also have to filter what colleges we apply to based on the major we decide. Sometimes, people don’t even know what to major in at all, waiting to get to college to see what genuinely interests them.
Mrs. Braniff, special education teacher, says, “My advice is that you should definitely not decide on majoring in something before you attend college, because there is a 99% chance you will want to change your major once you get there. Make sure that you take all your pre-requisites and general classes first, and then make a decision. It will definitely save you time and money.”
Sam Martinez, senior, says, “Applying to colleges can be tough. They expect us to choose our life paths at 17 to 18 years old. Remember when applying and figuring out your major, do not only look at what could make you the most money, but rather what would make you the happiest.”
Tip number two: Keep an open mind. When transitioning into college, you are going to meet people from totally different backgrounds than what you’re used to back home. This is something you should keep in mind throughout your entire life, but it is especially imperative your first weeks of school. You don’t know the kind of environments your fellow classmates have left behind, what kind of home life they’re used to, or the experiences they’ve gone through. Be friendly, open-minded, and welcoming to your roommates and classmates. Who knows? Your roommate or physics partner may become your best friend.
Tip number three: Do not procrastinate. Make a schedule/routine for yourself to follow. We all tell ourselves now that study habits will become easier in college due to the extra free time, and for some, that may be true. But for others, it’s a deadly trap that could be extremely difficult to crawl out of. You are incredibly independent in college, and way more free time than you’re used to. Mrs. Smith, another special education teacher, says, “You never want to cram in an assignment last minute because you’re busy having fun with your friends. Give yourself cushion time. Grant time to get it done sooner than later, because the feeling afterwards is the most rewarding.”
With this advice in mind and in heart, I thoroughly encourage all seniors to take these tips with them on their new journey to wherever they may go. We as a senior class have the opportunity to make the beginning of next year the best it can be.
