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Academic Expectations

7. Your Professors are Human. Well, most of them any way. Hey, we eat and drink regular stuff, live in houses' and shop at WallyWorld like everyone else. Be respectful but don't be intimidated. See the professor for help, answers, or just to get to know them. Some professors ARE jerks, but hey, ask your friends and you'll find out who those few are and you can avoid them.

8. Read the Student Paper. All informed adults read a newspaper. Your college paper will be written by folks like yourself and they'll make lots of mistakes - but so will you. Read the paper to stay current of student events and which professor was arrested for indecent exposure.

9. Become Involved. Research shows that one of the best predictors of career success is the number of extra-curricular activities college students had in college. A wise professor once told me that the most important things I would learn in college would occur outside the classroom and he was right. Campus organizations teach you time management, organization, interpersonal, and leadership skills. You meet people and make contacts. You don't have to belong to countless organizations, rather find a few in which you can have meaningful input. Try to become an officer or committee chair. You'll learn lots and employers will be mighty impressed.

Well, that's just a few things to get you started. Now a few concluding comments. Some of you may doubt your ability to get a college education. If you have been accepted to a university, you can get a degree. Will you? Statistics would say only about 50-60% of you. Did those that dropped out lack ability? A few but most did not. I've got a secret for you (don't tell a soul). I am a college drop out. Out of high school I attended a large state university for about 12 days and then headed back to the farm. Why did I quit? Well I was intimidated, scared, and lonely, but more than anything else, I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Don't you make the same wrong assumption. Rather get out there, talk to people, and seek support. There are lots of terrified people out there like yourself and if you meet each other you can help each other. I went back to a different large state university after attending a junior college and the rest is history. One last thing, don't worry about your major. I changed mine so many times I've lost count. Every semester I have graduating seniors who come into my office and tell me they hate their major. Most of them had their major picked out before they even got to college. They never thought about it until it was too late. Explore and look around. Think about what you like to do. Try courses you haven't taken before. You have two years to pick something so shop around. In fact, if you want to have some fun, every time you talk to your folks, tell them you have changed majors. Hey, mom forget botany, I'm majoring in management! Oh, your parents will love you for it.

So, relax, and enjoy!

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