Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect upon the entire year; your short-comings, your accomplishments, your memories and your loved ones. I’ve recently been thinking about my first year of college; the friends I’ve made and the teachers I’ve connected with. And I realize that future first year students might like to hear some insight straight from first years before them.
It’s always important to get to know your town/city. I volunteered at an art show within Kingston’s Fort Henry and had the time of my life helping to keep the vendors happy. I made some friends, learned about some of the cultural businesses around Kingston and I gained a new connection with one of our future teachers who organizes the event every year. I’ve found a lot of unique stores and restaurants and seen some beautiful scenery around our campus.
And finally, REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. This may sound cheesy but we all from time to time change little aspects of our behaviour or personality to gain acceptance with our classmates or to just make friends in general. Be PROUD of who you are and stand by it. If you’re wiser than your years don’t “dumb down” just to get your peers approval, or if you fight passionately for what you believe in don’t back down just because people argue with you or don’t understand. “Drinking to get drunk” is the most overrated “popularity tactic” ever. But if you do go out PLEASE bring a group of reliable friends to stop you from doing anything you or your family will regret later I BEG YOU.
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Our RA John decorated my door
for my birthday while I was sleeping |
First of all if you have the finances to house in residence (even if it’s only for one year out of however many your course runs) you SHOULD GO. You will meet so many different students and although you may not come to know all your neighbours by name you will certainly know the faces of at least the 2-3 to your left and right. Our floor RA (Residence Advisor) was one of the first friends I made and I’ve learned so much from him already. Plus you get surprises on your door every now and then. And who doesn’t love decorating their door?
Second to all students living in residence… YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STARVE! Some colleges may have different meal plans but for us it is only recommended you use $7.50 a day to make it last the entire semester. To those of you wondering HOW WILL WE SURVIVE? The answer is simple… INVEST IN A RICE COOKER!!! Anything you can cook in a pan or pot you can make in a rice cooker in half the time (whether you are actually cooking rice or not) and I mean ANYTHING. Also if you have classes in the afternoon or evening and only have spare time in the morning the answer is also very simple… INVEST IN A CROCKPOT!!! It’s the same as a rice cooker only with a much slower cook time. You can throw everything into a crockpot and forget about it for hours while you clean or study or go out into town.
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| Our Writing for Communicators teacher Frank Armstrong |
Next GET TO KNOW YOUR TEACHERS! But this isn’t as hard as everyone says. Every one of your teachers has something to offer to your learning and growth even though some professors you may connect with faster than others. You may learn how to adapt to lectures, you may learn how to become a better writer, you may learn how to be a proper business professional, or you may learn how to be a well-rounded creative thinker when facing corporate stress.
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Lindsey Fair
Business Consultant and Artist |
And finally, REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. This may sound cheesy but we all from time to time change little aspects of our behaviour or personality to gain acceptance with our classmates or to just make friends in general. Be PROUD of who you are and stand by it. If you’re wiser than your years don’t “dumb down” just to get your peers approval, or if you fight passionately for what you believe in don’t back down just because people argue with you or don’t understand. “Drinking to get drunk” is the most overrated “popularity tactic” ever. But if you do go out PLEASE bring a group of reliable friends to stop you from doing anything you or your family will regret later I BEG YOU.
But above all the stress, studying, sacrifice and silliness don’t forget to just have fun. They say that college is one of the best times of your life and the friends you make stay with you for years. I’ve been blessed to have already created two international friendships in my first months in school. Always make the best of any and all situations with a smile and life will take you anywhere.
But above all the stress, studying, sacrifice and silliness don’t forget to just have fun. They say that college is one of the best times of your life and the friends you make stay with you for years. I’ve been blessed to have already created two international friendships in my first months in school. Always make the best of any and all situations with a smile and life will take you anywhere.
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| Ivy (Xiao Xuan Zhang) |
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| Mustapha Makri |
