Managing the Party Scene
Taking care of yourself is a big responsibility. It's not just about doing your laundry when all your clothes are dirty or making sure to write down when your English Literature term paper is due.
It's also about making smart decisions on how to spend your time. Juggling classes, studying, and developing a social life are all important aspects of your college life.
For students who have been on campus a year or two, a little “trial-and-error” experience can go a long way in helping you identify your priorities, as well as your limitations.
Experience helps to remind you that college isn't a 4-year vacation before you must work and support yourself. But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and college is about opening yourself up to new experiences.
The party scene on many college campuses can be a very appealing draw for students. It's a great opportunity to socialize with a new and diverse group of people.
Remember, if you're underage, it's illegal to use alcohol, which will likely be available to you at college. It becomes your personal choice whether to drink, when to party, and when to study. Most college students eventually strike a balance between time devoted to academics and time set aside for relaxing and unwinding.
Some students don't get the connection between the party life and academic performance. If you are going to class several days a week feeling really bad, going back to the dorm and crashing until 10:00 PM, and then going back out to start the party all over again, maybe it's time to take a break.
If your college lifestyle is getting in the way of the real reason you went to college, talk to a school counselor, your friends or family, or the person with whom you feel most comfortable. Talking about it can help put things in perspective, and if necessary, you may want to consider transferring to a school with less pressure to party.
Employment Outlook for the Class of 2010
College seniors may have more trouble than recent graduates landing a job next spring. Employers expect to hire 7% fewer graduates from the Class of 2010 than they hired from the Class of 2009, according to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Employers responding to NACE's “Job Outlook 2010 Fall Preview” survey expect to trim college hiring again this year, even after significant cutbacks in hiring affected the Class of 2009. The primary reason employers gave for reducing college hiring is the economy.
Employers expect to conduct 60% of their recruiting this fall and 40% in the spring, so seniors should be searching for employment now.
If you haven't visited your college's career center, stop in and take advantage of the services they offer: career counseling, job and internship listings, alumni networking, employer information sessions, job fairs, on-campus interviews, etc.
Don't forget to network. Join professional organizations that match your career interests. Attend meetings and get involved. Volunteer to work on projects and get to know other members, who may be aware of available positions or have influence with someone who is looking to fill a position.
Look on the Bright Side
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? An optimist looks at a partial glass of water and sees it as half full; a pessimist sees the same glass as half empty. If you look at yourself and others around you negatively, find ways to have a more positive attitude:
- Find a role model, someone who seems to make the best of a bad situation. Ask them how they maintain a positive attitude and copy their behaviors.
- Practice positive self-talk. Banish negative thoughts from your mind and replace them with positive thoughts.
- Don't fill your mind with “junk” messages. What you see, hear, and read can affect how you feel about yourself and others. Choose movies, television shows, books, etc. that are funny or inspirational.
- Be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don't have. Make a list of all the good things in your life; review that list whenever you need a lift.
Once you learn to develop a positive attitude, you'll be surprised how much fun life can be!
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