3 Simple Study Tips to Pass Your Classes
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Dear Viviana @ 18,
This letter is to you as you begin your college experience. You will be surprised to see yourself at 25! Or perhaps you will not be surprised because, despite the fact that you are in a very different place than you originally planned, you are more truly yourself again. For the next four years, you will go through ups and downs, twists and turns, and many experiences that will test what you know and how well you know yourself. The journey will never be easy but here is my advice to help you make it through with less resistance:
For the first time in your life you will be in charge of your own finances. Don’t spend money without carefully thinking about whether the expense is really necessary. Having something can never make you better and losing it can never make you less. The best gift to give others is your time and presence.
Save as much as you can from what you will earn and be awarded in the next couple of years. There might be times in the future where you will be in transition and without an income. It never hurts to have a little cushion.
Save as much as you can from what you will earn and be awarded in the next couple of years. There might be times in the future where you will be in transition and without an income. It never hurts to have a little cushion.
It is the nature of universities to place a label on what you are studying and give you a path. Take control of your learning and explore different areas of study. It is okay to have three different declared minors just so you can take the classes, then drop them before you graduate. You can learn to use the system instead of letting it dictate your choices. Those classes in literature, Chicano studies, etc. that seem random might turn out to be your favorites!
Make more time to listen to speakers, talks, and events where you have the opportunity to learn something new. Take advantage of the plethora of rich and diverse opportunities to get involved with service in the community and with youth. What you learn outside of the classroom will guide how you use what you learn in your courses. It is never wasted time.
As a first generation college student you will rely heavily on mentors and you will be blessed with amazing ones. Listen to their guidance but always know that the only person who can choose what feels right for you, is you. You will not let them down by following your own path.
As a first generation college student, you will rely heavily on mentors and you will be blessed with amazing ones. Listen to their guidance but always know that the only person who can choose what feels right for you, is you. You will not let them down by following your own path.
Learn to touch base with yourself before making decisions, the small ones, and the big ones. That feeling of excitement that you get inside your body that feels like a burst of positive energy—follow what makes you feel it. Anything that makes sense only by logic or is a means to an end is not the path to take. Follow your heart at all times!
There are many “mistakes” and “failures” to come but use them as learning experiences. You will be stronger, wiser and more humble for them. They might be necessary to help you find your way. You will realize your family will love you for just being you. You will learn that what happens to you, good or bad, does not change who you are. Be patient and kind with yourself during the process.
Hard work and a positive mental attitude can lead you to great opportunities. In fact there will be so many great opportunities that some will seem too good to be true or too good to pass up. Don’t get caught up in appearing successful to society and others. Stay true to your passions and follow your heart.
Remember that making plans for the future is a great tool to reach your goals. But what is most important is the present moment. If you allow yourself to change your course based on how you feel in the present you will avoid a lot of stress and anxiety. Place all of your attention and passion into your present moment and the future will take care of it self.
Let go of the need to control the future, to carry burdens from your past and to overanalyze situations. Surrender to life’s plan for you. When you stop resisting and just accept what is at the moment, you will be able to find a constant source of peace, joy and love within. In this state it is so much easier to make decisions, interact with others and enjoy life.
This advice may not change the challenges that will come your way, but they can change the only thing you will control: how you react to them. Applying some of these tips might reduce a lot of stress and wasted time thinking, giving you more time to enjoy the blessings and life surrounding you. Good luck and enjoy the adventure!
Your friend,
Viviana @ 25
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