Starting college comes with a lot of new experiences—and a lot to keep track of. Sophomore Jaun Mitchell learned a few things during his first year that he hopes can make the transition a little easier for this year’s incoming students. During Olivet’s Transition Ceremony, Jaun shared practical advice about everything from checking your email and going to class to meeting new people, using campus resources and asking for help when you need it.
Here’s Jaun’s advice in his own words:
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Jaun Mitchell. I am a Sports and Recreation Management major; I’m a member of the fraternity Elite, and starting my sophomore year here. I hope everybody is having a good day so far.
First, I want to say welcome to college! I know that starting your first year can be exciting, but it can also be a little stressful because everything is new. I want to give you all a few tips that I learned during my first year that can hopefully make your college experience a little easier.
One of the biggest things I recommend is checking your email every day. Turn your email notifications on and actually read your emails. There have been plenty of times when I’ve walked all the way to class just to find out that class was canceled because I didn’t check my email. And, your professors also send important information through email.
Another important thing is going to class. Some of my professors have said that if you go to every class and stay consistent, you are already putting yourself in a good position to pass. Even when you don’t feel like going, get up and go. You never know what information you might miss, and showing up also lets your professors know that you care about your education.
Another tip is to get out of your room and socialize. College is a great time to meet new people and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Go to the events, talk to people in your classes, join organizations, play sports, or just introduce yourself to somebody. You don’t have to know everybody, but putting yourself out there can make college feel a lot more like home.
Another thing I would recommend is taking advantage of the opportunities the school gives you. There are so many resources on campus that students sometimes don’t know about or don’t use. For example, take advantage of places like Comets’ Cupboard.
And if you ever need help with anything, ask someone. Don’t be afraid to talk to a staff member, professor, advisor, or even an upperclassman. I can almost guarantee that they will either help you themselves or point you in the direction of someone who can. You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.
I also recommend getting a planner. Even though we all have phones, having something physical to look at can really help. Write down your assignments, tests, practices, events, and important dates. College moves pretty fast, and deadlines can sneak up on you if you aren’t organized.
Lastly, give yourself time to adjust. Your first semester might not go exactly how you expect it to, and that’s okay. You might struggle with a class, meet new people, or have days where you feel homesick. Don’t let one bad day or one bad grade make you feel like you don’t belong here. Learn from it, keep going, and ask for help when you need it.
College is what you make of it. Make good choices, meet new people, stay on top of your work, and enjoy the experience. You only get one freshman year, so make memories, but also remember why you came here in the first place.