When I work with high school seniors or college freshman we often talk about what this new life chapter will be about for them... sometimes they are crystal clear, while others are more skeptical or unsure as to what their future will bring.
Here are 10 things that I recommend all Freshman pack up in their trunks, suitcases or cardboard boxes -- 10 things that are sure to bring perspective, success, and feeling of empowerment & ownership:
1. Take some time to decide who you want to be in this next chapter-- Which traits or qualities do you want to bring along, and perhaps more importantly, which attributes do you want to leave behind. You choose! You get to decide!
2. Know why you are at college. Be clear about your own values and be ready to set your own priorities.
3. Establish the longer view early on -- Keep your eye on the end game, your end goal and use this benchmark to help guide your decisions.
4. Find a "symbol" that reminds you of who or what you want to be and why you are at college -- Place this symbol or image somewhere that you will see it every day -- on your laptop, on your mirror. Want to some day work and live in New York city? Find an image or word that represents that loftier goal.
5. Get connected to more than one group. Network. This is where you build connections, create your own unique support team; one that will get you through the bumpy parts on this new road.
6. Sample the buffet line-- Try new things! Take some interesting and curious classes! Hang out with a different group of people. Have an adventure or ten!
7. Don't be afraid to take some risks.
8. Learn how to recognize your own stress; how and where it shows up for you. Work to create some stress management techniques that keep you balanced and on your game -- Exercise, talk with friends, get outside, carve out alone time, journal, learn to say no... What else?
9. Balance the weight and responsibility that comes with the academic load with an attitude of lightness and fun. New experiences. New people. New chapter.
10. Call home at least once a week.
