As You Prepare For Another Year Of School, pt. 2
by on Aug 24th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Here are a few more pieces of advice to help you make the most of your time in school:
CHOOSE TO TAKE STRATEGIC BREAKS
When I was in college, I made the mistake of thinking that I would somehow be able to rest after all of my obligations in and out of class were satisfied. This thinking actually didn’t affect me too negatively in college because I was young and wired to be a workaholic. It was after I graduated and entered a world that always seemed to pile on more work that I learned the value of strategic rest.
I know that I mentioned earlier the need for students to embrace the stress of college. However, one way to manage stress is to get adequate rest. God did not design us to operate over long periods of time without a good amount of sleep, food, and community. Denying yourself any of these elements too often will result in a breakdown of your health and academic performance. You will also be denying yourself the opportunity to enjoy a life of trust in God’s provision for work.
Make a determination to set aside times of study and times of rest. As a seminary student, I made a commitment to do no work on Sundays and to strive to complete all work by Saturdays. Yes, weekdays and nights were really long on some occasions, but having time to recuperate was crucial for succeeding in actually learning something (and not just finishing work).
GET A MENTOR; THE SOONER THE BETTER
Freshman year is the hardest because so many transitions are occurring at the same time: being away from home, dealing with having no money, making new friends, adjusting to a new intensity of education, etc. If you are a freshman, it may seem crazy to add to the “to-do list,” but find a mentor, especially if you have never had a mentor in high school.
A mentor is a man of wisdom who you respect and would follow either in your life or profession (preferably both). Ideally, they are already in the profession that you hope to one day occupy. This could be a professor, administrator, or staff member at the school. You might even find a good mentor at a local church.
Make an effort to introduce yourself to someone like that and ask if they would be willing to mentor you for the fall semester (don’t request a lifelong commitment). Meet with them on some type of regular basis (weekly, every other week, etc.). They will be able to give you guidance as you strive to succeed this semester. If the relationship develops well, you can think about continuing the relationship the next semester. If not, perhaps they will be able to point you in the direction of someone who fits your situation better.
Mentors are more than just counselors. They will encourage you when you need it and kick you in the posterior when you deserve it. Even more importantly, they can prove to be the catalyst for you in future years when you start looking to get into graduate school or start your careers. The old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know “ has endured for a reason. They could be the who that gets your foot into the door of a bright future.
CONSIDER YOUR FRIENDS CAREFULLY
Choosing your closest friends is more important than choosing your major or career path. Your degree is important, but character ruins more careers than courses of study. Your friends will be instrumental in making you a better person or enticing you to engage in an ultimately self-destructive lifestyle.
Of course, you should be friendly and respectful to everyone, but we all only have so much room in our hearts and schedules for those really close friends that last a lifetime. Therefore, choose carefully. These are going to be the people you call when you are considering a new career path, coping with a failure or career disaster (we could all expect to face at least one in 30-40 years), or seeking counsel in areas that transcend our work (family, ministry, health, etc.). They will rejoice with you at your wedding (after approving of your bride), babysit your kids, remember your birthday, they will carry your coffin to the grave, and honor your memory long after you gone.
College becomes one of those phases in life where people make enduring friendships. Wise friends who authentically seek to live for Christ will motivate you to keep pursuing Christ long after your time in college has ended.
Therefore, be friendly to everyone. Hang out with many different people. But be selective about who you allow into the more private chambers of your life.
I hope you are as excited about this new academic year as I am. I am praying for your success, but perhaps you now know what king of “success” I am asking God to grant you in your short time as a student!