Ten Lessons on College Life

Many students around the Untied States are beginning their life in college at this time.

25 years ago this week Mrs. BeeLine and I dropped off our first child at college.

It is not easy for any parent to do.

When we on the way to Miami University in Oxford, Oho to get our daughter situated in her dorm room I gave her some advice in the form of "Ten Lessons on College Life."

I happened to come across it this week in my files.

The advice seems to have stood the test of time even a quarter of century later.

What has not stood the test of time very well is the cost of a college education. I told my daughter that every hour she was in class was costing us about $40.

That cost is approaching $140 per hour of class time now at the same school today.

In that so much of college costs are.now financed by student loans, that carry interest on top of that loan cost, it is more important than ever that students make the most of their college experience.

Here is the advice I gave to my children. 

I am sharing it on BeeLine in the hope that it might help a student you know start their college experience (and their life) in the best possible way.

Feel free to modify it as makes sense for a college student you would like to help get established on the right path.

Ten Lessons on College Life

(originally written on August 21, 1998)

1

College is a fantastic opportunity and experience.  There is much to do and much to learn both in and out of the classroom.  Have fun but remember that you are there for an education first and foremost.  Make sure that this is always your first priority. We are making a major investment in you.  We expect a return on our investment.  Good jobs and good graduate schools will only go to the top students at Miami.  

2

Always go to class.  The easiest way to get in trouble with your grades is to skip class.  Every class hour is costing us close to $40.  The easiest way to succeed is to go to every class, listen intently and take copious notes.  Professors almost never test on things that they haven’t gone over in class.  These are the things that they deem most important.  Take good notes and study them thoroughly before every test.  This is the single easiest way to be on the right track in college from the start.

3

Be disciplined with your time.  Have a purpose in everything you do.  Don’t waste time doing unproductive things.   There is time to do a lot of things if you manage your time and priortize.  Remember, even if you spend 8 hours a day with class and studying you still have 16 hours for other things. You should also remember that there is almost nothing that happens after midnight that is productive or will result in a positive outcome for you.  Stay on top of your studies everyday as in most courses you will have only 2 or 3 exams the entire semester.  You will not be able to read all the material and learn it the night before. 

4

Try to have a smile on your face all the time.  People like positive people who have good senses of humor.   Be friendly to everyone and work at complimenting others as much as possible.  When speaking to others, use their name often in conversing with them as people like to hear their name coming from your lips because it makes them feel as if they are valued and important you.  These are keys to winning friends and influencing people, especially members of the opposite sex. 

5

Be a leader.  Take the initiative in everything you do.  Be the first one to volunteer an answer in class.  Be the first person in your corridor who knows everybody.  Be known as someone who is a mover and a shaker who can be counted on and wants to be involved in making things better for everyone

6

Work on developing a network of friends, colleagues and teachers who like and respect you.  The friendships and connections you make in college will serve you well and can form the basis for success and happiness over your entire lifetime.  You will never have a better opportunity for developing the roots of this network system because the seeds of this experience will be sown far and wide from Miami.  Take  full advantage of the opportunity while it exists.

7

Take advantage of all the opportunities that exist to explore new things at college.  Don’t be afraid to take different courses, attend off-beat lectures or try something different.  College is a chance to explore so that you can better discover who you are and what you really like.  Heretofore, your range of experience has been limited to a small universe largely controlled by us.  Now is the time to decide for yourself want you like and want you want to be.

8

Do not get involved with drugs or with people who use them.  Not only are they illegal and could end up tainting your life forever, they almost always result in a diminished capacity to do things you need to do to be successful.  Drugs are used by losers.  Steer clear of anything to do with them!

9

Do not abuse alcohol.  There will be many opportunities to partake in alcohol in college but beware of its effects on you and others. It can be very dangerous if not used responsibly.  Steer clear and get away from any boy who has had too much to drink.  Your safety could be jeopardized. If you must imbide, do so responsibly as it can seriously impair your judgment and cause you much personal harm as well.

10

Beginning college represents the one time in life where you have total control of your life.  You have complete control to shape your life.  You have no constraints.  Your friends, your career, your interests, your entire life is in your hands to shape it in any way you choose.  You will never again have such freedom because as you move forward in life the choices you make begin to narrow your flexibility and your ability to totally control your own destiny.  Accordingly, make wise choices and don’t just go with the  flow.   Do things you enjoy.   Having so many options can be scary but as long as you follow the advice we have given you we are certain that any path you take will be secure, happy and successful.  Remember that we are here to help you if you need guidance along the way. First and foremost, we love you and always will. That’s one thing you can always count on.  Best of luck as you begin your own life!