My First Quarter Game-Plan
In high school, my schedule was planned down to the minute. In college, my schedule is… well, let’s just say I’m in charge now, and that’s both exciting and slightly terrifying. Suddenly, there’s no bell telling me where to go or the teacher reminding me about deadlines, it’s all on me to decide how I spend my time and make it count. It’s not just about the harder classes or a bigger campus, it’s a completely new lifestyle than we are previously used to. You’re also navigating a new environment, new friends, and figuring where you fit in, socially and academically. With all that being said, I know this freedom comes with responsibility, so here are some of the things I plan to focus on.
Join business clubs to socialize and network
One of my biggest if not the biggest priorities in my time in Community College is to connect with more like-minded people who are just as motivated and ambitious as I am. This is where business clubs like Phi Beta Lambda come in. PBL would be the perfect opportunity to surround myself with peers who share the same drive, because of the conversations, friendships, and collaborations that happen outside of the classroom. Building a network early will give me both support and opportunities down the road.
Explore student government opportunities
I also want to explore what student gov. has to offer. I’ve always been curious about leadership roles and what opportunities can be gained but, in high school, it was never something I pursued. Being part of student government would allow me to contribute to the campus community while gaining hands-on experience in organization, communication, and decision-making. It’s also a chance to work alongside people who are equally passionate about making an impact, and I think that’s an environment where I can grow.
Stay on top of academics
Obviously, none of this means much if I don’t keep up with my grades and stay on top of it. College classes are definitely a HUGE step up from high school, so I need to have a good foundation. Staying disciplined, using resources like office hours, or study groups, and making sure I'm challenging myself without falling behind will definitely be the key to this goal and will carry on in the future whether that be transferring, internships, or any future opportunities.
Prepare for career opportunities
Finally, I want to start preparing myself for the professional world. That means working hard outside of the classroom, taking advantage of other campus resources such as career fairs, resume workshops, and networking events. Even if I don’t exactly know what path I want to take, I feel like putting myself in certain environments will help me learn what’s out there and what skill employers look for. The earlier I start, the more confident I’ll be when it’s time to take the next step in both my academic and professional career.
At the end of the day, college is what I make of it. If I can commit to these goals and keep pushing myself forward, I know I’ll come out of this journey not just more prepared for the future, but also more connected, more confident, and more ready to take on the challenges ahead.
