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Hello guys! We’ve got another contribution this time from a college instructor in the person of Eric Masupil. This article’s very timely since classes have officially started in some colleges and universities today. This one could really be of help especially for freshies who are either excited or anxious in beginning their college life.
Eric dubbed his article as First Day High 101. Enjoy reading! And again, if you want to share some of your works and be featured here on WOWBatangas, just click HERE.
For thousands of Batangueños who would be going to school as college freshmen barely a week from now, nothing may be as exciting as the first day. While how one would be during the first day of school does not necessarily determine how he / she shall be for the rest of the college years, starting things right always makes a difference.
As all firsts happen but once, here are some helpful tips that may make your first day count:
1. Make a checklist. The night before the much anticipated day, write down everything that you need to bring with you and prepare them accordingly. The list usually includes the following: school ID, library card, pen / pencil, paper, notebook, and the personal stuff that you can’t do without (handy phone, hankie, comb, cologne etc.)
2. Physiologically prepare. Nothing beats the combination of a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast to prep and prop you up in your first day as a young adult.
3. Wear the appropriate / prescribed attire. Colleges / universities that require the wearing of school uniform usually allow freshmen to be in ordinary clothes during the first week of classes. Dress code, however, may still be enforced so make sure that what you would wear conforms to the standard. A sleeved top, jeans, and closed shoes are the safest choice.
4. Be On Time. Being late is never acceptable in any place at any time especially in school. Therefore, make it a point to come on time, or better yet, come earlier than the schedule.
5. Know the Who’s Who and the Where To. You may be at a lost regarding virtually anything especially during the first day of classes and for most instances, all you need to make sense is just to be clarified of matters by asking persons in authority. Thus, it would be very helpful to identify who the key people in your school are and where the location of their respective offices is. In your spare time, roam around the campus and make it a point to locate the respective offices of the following persons: Dean / Department Head, Guidance Counselor, Librarian, Physician and Professors.
6. Be there. Attendance is a must. Your first day could not be just classes one after another but it may involve a class meeting or a departmental assembly as well. Do not skip on any of these and be focused while attending such.
7. Mind the Board. A number of activities for freshmen may be forthcoming and do not expect that each one shall be announced by your professor. Take the initiative of looking and reading the announcements posted at the Bulletin Board.
8. It isn’t just “You” nor just “About You.” No matter how self-sufficient you are or how withdrawn you are or both, you should not make your first day a “Me, Myself, and I” affair. Start a small talk with your seatmate / classmates before or between classes. You’ll never know – the acquaintances that you shall be able to make on your first day may turn out to be the best friends whom you may have for life.
9. Look forward to the next day. There might be some downers that may dampen your excitement- annoying classmate/s, tedious schedule, tough subjects, and seemingly stern professor/s but don’t let any of these get in the way of your drive to go through the following school days.
10. Step up as each school day passes. As your first day winds up, and whether or not it turned out how you hoped it would be, tell yourself that you shall do better in the coming days. Devise a study plan and stick to it. Focus on your studies but don’t be tied down by it. Enjoy and enhance whatever positive interests you have, get involved in worthwhile school- and even community-based activities, and always stay on the good and correct life track. Before you realize it, you have finished all four (or five) years of college and are just waiting for your turn to receive your diploma in your school’s Graduation Ceremonies.
Here’s hoping for a safe and learning-filled school year for all studes!
Eric Masupil teaches Natural Science subjects at Lipa City Colleges and spends his spare time reading and watching stuff on TV. He also jogs regularly in his attempt to stay healthy.
