By Rachel Lucking
The new academic year brings about many challenges for those entering campus for the first time and those preparing for the return of students. There are so many opportunities presented to college freshmen and new students encouraging social connections and academic preparations. In fact, there are staff members dedicated to making these offerings not only happen, but making them meaningful.
As one of those staff members, it is wonderful to see the connections unfold and students develop into amazing students. However, I always wonder how can I make it better? What can we do to make the transition to college even more successful for our students?
The answer is nothing. Sounds pretty negative? Not really – it really is based upon your perspective of what are the ingredients for a successful college experience. It starts at the beginning … with YOU! The student – the one who decided to take this journey.
College Freshmen: How to Make the Most of Your First Year
You have probably heard a million times that you are now an adult and in charge of your decisions. That is a very lofty statement and general assumption that everyone is ready to be the captain of his ship. In fact, it is somewhat frightening. No worries … I have a very simple decision for you to make.
Unplug yourself. Fairly vague and maybe a disconcerting statement to make. I base this on a key note speech by Enzo Silon Surin I heard at a New Student Convocation a year or so ago. The speaker very elegantly told the students to “unpack themselves” for their new journey. Meaning – step outside of your comfort zone, and slip into your new home with ease. Unpack yourself for the journey ahead and be open to the possibilities.
So – unplug yourself – it is the next step. Only, I mean it literally. Unplug yourself from Facebook, Twitter, texting, phone calls … all of it! Is there anything easier than burying your face in your phone when you are in a boring, uncomfortable, and new, situation? To be connected to technology is to keep you safe. If you have your phone out, clearly you have friends, right? Or, you are obviously searching for important information on the web?
Imagine it – you are meeting your new classmate and guess what … you have to ask her face to face questions? It wasn’t a wall post or a text message. You looked her in the eye and said, “Want to eat dinner?” She responds with a smile, “Sure, why not?” You didn’t have to add’ LOL’, or, double check that she was serious, or … worse yet, wonder if she really exists? You will look around, feel liberated, and be ready to plug into something new – a new community!
Worried you will miss those old friends? A long time ago, in a not so distant state, we actually wrote letters to one another. Or, set aside time to privately chat with old friends. While you may think I am discouraging your connection to the old – I am actually asking you to invest in those friendships with some quality interactions.
In the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Unplug yourself.
Rachel Lucking is the Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Development at Framingham State in Framingham, Massachusetts. In addition to helping college students, her blog, worknmom.wordpress.com, addresses to the issues faced by working parents. She tweets at @RachelUcking.
