Real Life, by Rosie Ayala
Thursday, April 3, 2008

6 Weeks Left...Oh My Gosh

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Now, the calendar can say that spring starts whichever day (depending on your hemispheric location), but it’s not spring in Portland until you go the whole day without fearing the fact you left your raincoat in your room. Normally, this would be a great feeling, and don’t get me wrong—it is, but me being me, I’m stuck inside writing like no other because I waited until the last minute to do my homework. This is why I am going to give you “Rosie’s Do’s and Don’t’s of college.” Regardless of where you go, this can help.

1) DO explore—there is nothing that will disappoint you more if you don’t get to know the surroundings of your school. Go out, visit a coffee shop or two, even if you don’t get anything. Walk around get to know the place. You never really know when it will come in handy, but being well acquainted with the city/town can potentially help you out in an emergency.

2) DO NOT wait until the last minute—nay, don’t wait, get started. Now, you know how I mentioned spring and the greatness it is, well I’m stuck inside working on my thesis because my draft is due on Friday and am still not done considering I had all semester to work on it. Not only that, but my computer died, which means that I can’t even enjoy the sun/work on thesis because the laptop isn’t working and the only way to get anything done is if I am near an power outlet.

3) DO talk to people—you never know what can happen. Remember that episode of Friends when Ross and Chandler were excited about their friend “Gandalf” coming over…the reason being that they never knew where they were going to end up…college is like that in a way. Every person is a new adventure and the more you talk to, the more adventures you’ll have.

4) DO NOT take it upon yourself to do everything. There are people who can help you and they are there for just that reason. Anything from academic stuff to sports, programs, or personal things, the school is there to serve you-the student-and not taking advantage of that can be a huge burden.

5) DO have fun. Being is college is all about being in the right place at the right time, so if you want to take a year off because you think you are not ready…take it. That decision will make your college experience all that much better and a lot more fun. Also, if you don’t have fun or enjoy your college experience…chances are you won’t value the overall experience. This is why you need to stick to what you know is write for you, because then you’ll be unhappy and that is the last thing we want to happen.

Anyways, that is what I have for now. If you have any questions, shoot me an email (rocio@lclark.edu).