Managing College, College Tips & Careers

College

College Stressors can definitely be overwhelming. Now, as a senior, things are really starting to pick up speed. I'm currenlty waiting on acceptances from a few graudate schools - so scary!!!

Some tips for anyone going into college:

Make sure your room is a safe space

            If your roomate situation is causing you to feel uncomfortable, stressed, unhappy do something about it. I promise when you switch environments you will feel a whole lot better. I had a bad experience during my sophomore year with roomates who were very toxic and switching my room made a huge difference in my experience. Now I have an amazing group or friends that support me and make me feel appreciated.

Plan before you get there

Make sure you have your roomate selection set in stone and you contact them beforehand to go over any concerns you have or jusr coordinate colors! If you want to get bedding with similar themes share a fridge, rug etc make sure you do that BEFORE you move in. Also make sure you have all the basics:

- good rain boots and sneakers

- textbooks (I typically wait until the first day of class for this one)

- shower caddy

- shower shoes

- snacks

- laptop case

- backpack

- matress pad

- storage boxes for under your bed

- 1 cup keurig

- ramen noodles

- 3-4 towels

Put yourself out there

Join clubs, socialize within your dorm buildings or try to get classmates contact information from the start. If you sit in your room all day I promise you will not make friends. Everyone is in the same boat as you so put yourself out there!

As a senior I am sadly seeing my undergraduate life coming to a close and I wish I took advantage of all the opportunities I could. You dont want to have any regrets after graduation so just do it!

Careers

Deciding what you want to do after college can be super stressful. Forunately I have known since the start. My dream is to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor aka a Liscensed Therapist. This role requires a ton of research skills, presentations, exams and graduate school. 

It is totally okay for you to switch majors and change your mind about your career choices. Do not feel tied down to one path. We are so young and it's okay for our dreams to change. here is what helped me find my passion - ask yourself these questions:

Will this role make me feel fullfilled at the end of each day?

Will this role fit my lifestyle/personality?

Will this role support me enough to live happily?

If the answer is yes to all of thosew questions - there you go!

If not, ask yourself why. Ask yourself if sacrificing one of those is worth it for you.

You can always switch careers later on in life so don't put too much pressure on yourself to make a decision right now. 

Good luck with all things college & careers!

xo Christina