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| How should I start the year off right in college and in life? | |
| Shoulder Devil: Jill Mahler | Shoulder Angel: Jennifer M. Hartsock |
| This is my favorite part of the year … also the funniest- millions of people babbling on and on about their resolutions to be better and happier individuals. I get to kick back and enjoy myself as they spend countless dollars and time on their pursuits.Sure, death and destruction are entertaining, but nothing is as great as watching humans fool themselves over and over again and waste precious time. In no time at all, everything is as it was.
Sure, there is a small danger in their attempt to make better decisions, but quick fixes and the glow from the New Year eventually fizzles. To be honest, my job is pretty much cut out for me. Here are some of my favorites to watch and how I deal with the occasional hiccups. “Spend more time with friends and family”- I just remind them of all those annoying traits they can’t stand. Nagging mothers deserve a national holiday. “Enjoy life more”- This one is great- a kill two birds with one stone kind of thing. They eat and drink whatever is in sight and then the bulge sets in. The will-power at the gym is vamoose. “Quit drinking”- No one celebrates the holidays without a little liquid power. Once my little assistant is in their blood stream, there is no telling what ill-conceived notions they will be willing to allow. “Get out of debt”- Holiday season presents consumers with great sales and “those can’t live without” deals, money burns its way out of their pockets. “Get in shape”- Need I say more. Sure gyms present discounts on memberships to entice the public. But the McDonald’s next door is where they end up. Impatience and stubborn fat are the magic duo. As for college students, they are easy to snare. College is a time for partying, not studying. With all those apps on phones and everything on Google, who needs an education? College is about wasting time in a haze and letting those bad habits become all-consuming. It’s a wonderful time of year. |
It’s simple! Preparation is key when making the right decisions for any part of life.For starting college off right, I suggest downloading all of your instructors’ syllabi before classes start. This gives you time to read their expectations, create a schedule of homework and exams, and know your book list.
Then, make an appointment with each instructor to talk one-on-one about your concerns and questions. This may be intimidating, but I know you can gather the courage! Also, spending a lot of your time in the Learning Center is a great way to remain focused on your studies, and have the opportunity to ask questions! As for life, this is even simpler: what does it take to make the best you! This can be an assortment of things: donating time to a cause, setting aside time for hobbies, helping a friend in need, bake cookies for your neighbor, or calling that grandparent who you can’t stand! The list of kind gestures goes on and on! Sometimes, the best parts of life come from making life better for others! This will guarantee a great start to the New Year! |
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We will be offering advice on ANY topic from two different points of view.
Send your questions to: commuter@linnbenton.edu
