How to Get the Most Out of College and Embrace the Experience | A Decade Later
College is crazy! There are plenty of ups and downs, similar to high school, but your choices during college largely affect your future. No matter what you do, never give up the opportunities to do great things. The college experiences you will gain will be ones that stick with you for a lifetime. If I were asked to share some nuggets of wisdom for how to get the most out of college, it would be these.
How to Get the Most Out of College
Mingling with my college's past president at a scholarship reception
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Make a difference in the lives of others, fight for a cause that matters greatly to you and create change wherever you go. Serving on the Board of Directors for my local nonprofit PFLAG chapter, fighting for LGBTQ rights ever since my sophomore year of high school has been one of the greatest experiences of my life (I even sat in the senate as Washington State's gay marriage bill was passed through!). I'm not asking for you to do it like me, whether you're heavily involved in your place of worship or have a passion for assisting houseless individuals, your involvement doesn't have to be political… just do something!
STUDY WHAT YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT, NOT WHAT YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO study
If your true passion is film, or sports: put your all into this subject. Schools like mine (The Evergreen State College) give students the independence to design their own education with interdisciplinary programs that allow them to embrace multiple areas of study at once. Of course stats is a good class to take for many career paths, but you don't need advanced math to be an artist. Follow your heart.
ONLY ATTEND PARTIES THAT YOU TRULY WANT TO ATTEND AND ASSOCIATE YOURSELF WITH THOSE THAT BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU
College isn't one big party ground and it shouldn't be perceived as one. The more effort you put into the hard work, the more you will be able to play. Additionally, only party with those who you feel comfortable with and who don't force you to be anyone but yourself. I've met some of the most incredible souls that have forever impacted me for the better, through both bad and good social situations.
Two great mentors of mine throughout college: HR professional Mr. Dariush Khaleghi and psychologist Dr. Mark Hurst
FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR PROFESSORS AND LISTEN TO THEIR WISDOM
Some of the greatest friendships I have made during college that I will take with me forever are those with professors. I have received stellar evaluations and later letters of recommendation from numerous mentors. These relationships are the most vital during your college journey, as well as afterwards. Don't get me wrong: I've had professors whose teaching styles I absolutely despised, but that doesn't mean I cut all ties with them. To the best of their knowledge, we're on good terms. Never burn bridges and keep all your doors wide open. You never know when you'll need a favor.
At a local news station with my internship supervisor, Jillian and fellow intern Courtney
FIND MENTORS OUTSIDE OF CAMPUS, AND VALUE THEIR WISDOM, TOO.
Jillian was my very first internship supervisor during my social media and marketing internship at the Hands On Children's Museum here in Olympia, Washington. A young, driven career woman herself, Jillian was relatable, understood my struggles and pushed me just the right amount outside of my comfort zone. Learning from fellow interns (your peers) is equally important.
My cubicle at the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia, Washington - both bare & busy!
SEEK OUT AN INTERNSHIP OR APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY
Internships are the best way for students to get on-the-job experience, and I'm not going to sugar coat this for anyone: you learn WAY MORE during an internship than you will EVER learn in class. Don't doubt your credentials or ability for a position - this is the reason you are an intern: to learn! These opportunities will catapult your career.
Showin' off promos in shoes as a Sales Associate at Charlotte Russe!
GET A PART-TIME JOB + WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH
Holding a job, plus an internship, plus college classes and the homework that comes along with them gives you a good work ethic and a glimpse into the real world. Having real responsibilities at this age is necessary for your personal growth, in addition to your ability of contributing value to a greater community.
College is about self-discovery and finding the things unique about yourself that define who you are and what you are able to provide to a company or to the world in general. Mentally, college goes by faster than high school and will be your last chance to explore education in a school setting. You are only young once and you only have this moment... embrace it!
ABOUT “A DECADE LATER”
This blog post is part of A Decade Later, a series celebrating and reflecting on my time spent in my early 20s / college as I approach my 30th birthday in 2024. I’m republishing old blog posts from the college vault and reminiscing on the good old days through the process. I hope you find something of inspiration within these pages. :)
