Advice From a Senior to Juniors
by Rebecca Axford
Welcome to junior year! You’re into your third year of college. You’ve had two years to get to know your way around, but you still don’t have all the answers. Neither do I, of course, but I do know a couple of things:
- Ask questions. Ask your advisor questions, ask your professors questions, ask the person who serves you lunch questions. College is full of people who are here to help. You might not have talked to the reference librarian or the career guidance counselor yet. Do it. These are valuable people to know, and they’re also super fun. You won’t regret it.
- It’s still not too late to change your major. You don’t want to graduate with a degree that you won’t use or spend hours and hours studying subject material you don’t care about. Sometimes you have to get your feet wet before you realize something isn’t for you. The important thing is that you realize it and take action.
- Make sure to have some relaxation time. I know, you’re a college student and all your professors think you’re only taking their class. But it’s always important to make time to have fun, or you’ll crash. Join a club, do a sport, play a game of pool. Break up the homework at least a few times a week with a couple hours of just plain fun.
- Make sure to do your work. It’s a balancing act, staying relaxed and getting your work done, but it’s a very important balancing act. If you have to, prioritize assignments. Usually there’s a rubric on the syllabus that tells you how much of your grade a certain assignment is worth. Figure out which ones you can drop or need to invest more time in. Sometimes if you ask nicely, professors will even give you an extension.
It’s scary to be so far along, but you’ll make it. You’re already halfway through. Us seniors don’t have it all figured out either, so at least you’re in good company!
