Teachers share advice for college
March 9, 2010 • Anne Bannister, Online Editor
Filed under Feature
As many seniors stress and prepare for college, teachers offer up their tips and share experiences on how to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Advice
“The best piece of advice that I can give is first and foremost don’t be afraid to ask questions especially if it challenges conventional wisdom.” – Zach Butte
“Take the initiative to build rapport with professors–seek out their expertise. Unlike high school where most instructors concern themselves with connecting to students, professors most likely will not take a personal interest in you. There will not be phone calls/e-mails to parents and counselors when you bomb a test or fail to turn an assignment in. You will have to advocate for your own education, and a good way to do this is to let professors know who you are.” – Diane Mason
“Be early for all appointments.” – Jerett Pfannenstiel
“Never miss class and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” – Mona Chapman
“Enjoy the experience but stay focused on your ending goal of obtaining your degree.” – Jerold Harris
“Put yourself on a study schedule, such as:
Monday – Thursday…study in the evenings (about 3-5 hours)
Friday – relax with friends
Saturday – study in the morning and/or afternoon, relax with friends in the evening
Sunday – enjoy the day, study in the evening, and don’t skip classes. Make sure you have befriended someone so that when you are ill, you have a source for notes.” – Kathy Wagoner
“Approach the required general education classes with delight, not dread; you never know what you might learn.” – Cheryl Shepherd-Adams
“Enjoy college life, but make classes (your education) your top priority.” – Jill Blurton
“When planning your class schedule, make sure you know the locations of all the buildings that you travel from and to when they are back-to-back classes. With only ten minutes in between, you want to make sure you arrive to class on time. Some professors lock the doors and will not allow in students who are tardy.” – Kathy Wagoner
“Become an expert at time management and do not procrastinate. College deadlines will sneak up on you in a hurry.” – Jerold Harris
“Stay focused on “the prize” but enjoy being in college. So many students (as was I) are so anxious to get out of school and are so worried about the financial aspect of paying for college that they don’t take the time to find the college that fits them, foster relationships, take classes for fun, enjoy college.” – Elise Peterson
“Never stop learning. Always challenge yourself to learn something new every day.” – Zach Butte
Social Advice
“Learn to make your own decisions – meaning…have a good idea of what is important to you and stick to those ideals because you will meet many kids who came from totally different backgrounds from you and you need to know what you believe. If you are not sure then you will end up following someone else’s ideas.” – Corina Beam
“Study first, socialize second.” – Jerett Pfannenstiel
“Stay true to your values.” – Cheryl Shepherd-Adams
“Remain devoted to your ideals.” – Ron Leikam
“Do not move in with nor choose to live with a friend. In my college experiences, friendships were negatively impacted when the person also became a roommate.” –Diane Mason
“I know it is probably very cheesy of me saying this but the inspirational saying by Mark Twain of ‘Dance like nobody’s watching; love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth’ is something everybody should live by.” – Zach Butte
“Budget your money – you might think you have enough – but it is so easy to spend like your friends are spending – and like you are used to spending at home. You don’t want to run out of money and have to eat Ramen noodles for the last six weeks of the semester. Calling your parents for more money might work, but it won’t do a lot for showing your independence.” – Corina Beam
“Take care of your health as you enjoy life.” – Cheryl Shepherd-Adams
“Don’t let the freedom of being away from Mom and Dad make you forget your morals and values. Regret is a tough thing to live with.” – Jill Blurton
“It is inappropriate to blame your future on your past.” – Ron Leikam
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