Does college change you or do you change yourself?

Does college change you or do you change yourself?






Yep, college changes you alright. After the professors brainwash you into thinking exactly like they do, you become cloned automatons of the professors--only able to repeat what you learned in class and no longer capable of thinking for yourself.

Just kidding. :-)

All jokes aside. How much you do or don't change comes from the experiences you have in college. The life experience of going out into the world, shifting from high school to college, figuring things out on your own, making new friends, taking classes, navigating your place in the world, and experiencing completely new things can have a profound effect on a person's life. A wise student takes full advantage of all that college can offer and allows these things to change him/her for the better.

On the flip side, college can be rather boring if you only go to class and go to your room and never really take time to participate in campus life. Sure, you'll get your degree, but when you look back at your college years, will you have life long memories to carry with you forever?

As was often quoted to me by my older sibling, "college are the best four years of your life. Enjoy them." College is often a bit more than just four years nowadays, but the advice still rings true. Submerge yourself into the full experience of college: going to class, attending sporting events, joining clubs, studying hard, making new friends, and learning a lot.

So, take a class just because you want to.
Go to an event you wouldn't normally attend.
Meet a random person.
Learn a new language.
Try a new cuisine.  
Step outside of your comfort zone.
Take the road less travelled, and allow college to change you and you to change yourself for the better.

Be well,

Prof. Chatterbox

How am I going to make friends in this huge place?

 

How am I going to make friends in this huge place?

Many of you asked how you can make friends at college. Really, we do not know why you want to enrich your lives by making meaningful connections with others who will care about you. So we made a list of sure-fire ways to avoid making friends at college:





1) Look down and frown! When walking through campus make sure that you avoid eye contact
and look generally surly. Otherwise people will smile and say hello and try to talk to you, and that will certainly lead to getting to know you and, eventually, friendship.

2) Do NOT go to any social or athletic events on campus. There will be smiling happy people at those things, people who cheer and dance and sing. Those are the kind of people who encourage frivolity and friendship.

3) Avoid campus ministries. Those people like to encourage friendship and a sense of familial love. Before you know it you will have friends and brothers and sisters...

4) Most importantly, do NOT talk to classmates, especially when working together in groups or on projects. Don't fall for the whole "let's exchange numbers" or "let's eat lunch together" ploy. These activities frequently lead to smiling, laughing, and generally having a good time.

Of course, if you are intent on making friends, as we actually hope you are, you should smile and say hello as you walk through campus, go to social and athletic events, check out campus ministries, and take the time to chat with classmates. Here are some links that should help:

Campus Recreation

Campus Ministries                

UTC Athletics                 

 

And, if all else fails, remember that you are bound to bump into someone on the lazy river in the ARC, where people are found smiling shamelessly!

Professor Repentista