College Success

I had never imagined myself as a university person.  The thought of having to take years of general education courses that didn't fulfill my interests, paying ridiculous amounts of money, and even participating in the university "lifestyle" was unattractive. Sitting at a desk all day when I could be outdoors running around, learning from nature itself, and enjoying the daylight? Yeah, no thank you. That is mainly why I decided to do various other forms of informal and non formal education since graduating high school years back. Yet here I am. A couple degrees in from a previous college, and a current student at San Diego State University. That took a turn!

College is not just about studying useless "GE's" or "sitting in a desk" listening to boring lectures. I was wrong (well, it is that at times...but theres more too it).  And I believe once a student finds their calling and gets in the groove at their college they can be successful. 

Annie Murphy Paul addresses some tips on how to achieve success in her article, Secrets of the Most Successful College Students, by pointing out that setting goals is essential.  However, these goals do not have to be so farfetched and immense.  For instance, one should set a goal that is realistic.  Whether it to set a goal to study for a certain amount of hours a day, not skimping on sleep, or attending office hours, following through with these goals fuels ambition and leads to success.  Setting a goal that is too far to reach can lead to discouragement and barriers amongst college students.

With that, there are so many tips on how to be a successful college student.  If I were to add on to Paul's advice, I would mention to not let college control you.  Education is a gift, but take a breather.  I still find myself at times getting flooded with course work, eating sleeping and breathing school in order to simply just pass a class.  When I'm in this phase of life, I forget why I am even here at college in the first place!

That place is to not only get a degree, but show what I am capable of and gain knowledge (also another tip by Paul, to "pursue passion, not A's").  In other words, go to college to not only "pass."
Work hard, dedicate time to studying, but do not overdo it. And I don't know what current college student needs to hear this but...take a mental health day. Do not lose sight of why you are there and make time for things outside of college you truly enjoy.  It is healthier and will contribute to your college success more in the long run.

Success comes in many forms for college students. Whether its the degree, passing a class, or even waking up that day and not sleeping past your alarm.  But a student will be successful if they truly take care of themselves, mind, and body first all while setting goals and rewarding their accomplishments.