To All the Freshmen:

Dear College Freshmen,

One of the greatest pieces of wisdom I was given as I embarked on my college career was from my mother: "You almost need a college education to figure out how to get a college education." Within her sarcastic remark I found incredibly sound advice. Ask other people how to go about completing your program(s). I'm not talking about the advisers provided by your school. In my experience, they're nearly useless. Yes, than can help you get into classes that are "full" by providing you with the right forms, but rarely are they good at advising what you should actually do while in school.

The one thing I tell every high school graduate I have the chance to talk to before they go to college is to find someone, multiple someones is better, who is in the same program or at least has similar required courses as you and shamelessly pick that person's brain about which classes to take, which to avoid, which professors will make your semester miserable, and which to be sure to sign up for and get a good seat in their classes. Those who have gone before you have already learned by trial and error. They have already signed up for the course with the fascinating title that sounds like it's going to be a dream class only to find out the professor is a total quack who talks in circles, makes no sense, assigns way too much work, doesn't grade the work in a timely manner, and tests you on material you've never heard of. They have been there, done that, and can spare you the grief of following in their footsteps.

You can borrow or buy textbooks from them, too! And they can tell you the secrets of the financial aid world that they've learned. They can show you the best (and cheapest) places to eat on campus, tell you what areas to absolutely avoid at night, and, believe it or not, just be your friend!

As you begin college, let's just be honest: you have little to no idea what you're getting yourself into. Your peers who are just a few steps ahead of you can help you swim rather than sink and flail and choke on what you accidentally swallow. Don't try to be a pioneer. Embrace your helplessness and seek a mentor and friend who can show you the ropes of getting the best experience possible out of your college years.

Love,
A recent (and very nostalgic) college graduate