5 Commandments for college freshmen

This from the Answer Sheet:

Beginning college is a milestone event in our lives. Like most events of this magnitude, how we handle and deal with the new challenges we face determines our ultimate success. The transition to college requires a a change in attitude and behavior. To help make this transition as painless and productive as possible, here are five commandments for a successful college career.

Thou shall be responsible for YOU.

College is not an extension of high school. Mommy isn’t around to wake you in the morning, fix you breakfast and dinner, remind you to do your homework and keep you on schedule…at least I hope not! Independence is a stimulating condition, but has its pitfalls as well. You must take responsibility for YOU and do it now and do it correctly...

Thou shall take advantage of what college offers.

College offers new everything: people, places, courses, curriculum, events and continuous opportunities to grow and develop mentally, physically and emotionally. Institutions of higher learning offer a wide variety of academia, events, sports, student life and counseling. Learn and take advantage of what your college offers, but take care not to over extend yourself...

Thou shall be a student of learning.

The undergraduate college experience is a continuation of your formal education. And while it does include regurgitation of facts, it should become more about developing understanding than just information transfer and more about developing the whole person. The objectives are to learn how to learn as learning is a lifetime process and to learn how to apply what you learn to achieve your life objectives...

Thou shall develop a personal brand.

College is all about new places, new people, and new things. Now is the time to determine your personal brand identity. Who are you? What do you want people to think when they hear your name? Maybe college is a good time to reinvent yourself. You must manage your brand through your behavior. Performing on demand. Exceeding expectations. Being involved in your college community, being visible on campus. Consider campus and student organizations, student government, special interest clubs, academic clubs, athletics and fraternities.

Be known for doing the right things; for being ethical and maintain personal integrity. Doing good things and helping others is what it is all about. Ultimately your brand is your reputation. Who or what do you want to be known as? Make it happen by your actions or live with the consequences.

Thou shall not forget those who are making college possible and gave you this great start in life.

Yes, you are on your own, and yes, you have to take responsibility for your life and your actions, but that doesn’t mean to abandon the support group that got you here: your parents; your family; your friends. They are still here for you; just use them differently than you did in high school. Keep them close, connect and involved. Life is a team effort, but now you have to lead the team to where you want to go...