William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2011-07-01 / 7. szám
Tibor s Take never see again was refreshing beyond belief. Especially in a day and age where little but uncertainty and economic difficulty confronts new graduates, a little bit of optimism does not hurt at all. For graduates of all types, there is little that can reassure or assuage anxieties and fears, and the advice offered in those ubiquitous lists delivered by well-meaning individuals, is usually useless or hopelessly vague. Trust me, 1 know how it is to enter the adult world of education and work. In honor of our high school graduates, I offer my own points of advice, from my experiences at college. • Know who to ask for information and advice, and know who to ask for good information and advice. Being a freshman at college is a frightening prospect, as the financing and planning becomes your responsibility, and if you are living away from home, household obligations add to the already ponderous workload. Every student encounters a bit of cultureshock, but that can be eased by arming oneself with knowledge. First, know where the admissions, financial aid, advising and on-campus health centers are. These offices are meant to aid students with questions. Secondly, get to know your student government (most universities have them). These students are usually upperclassmen and are often experienced and well-connected, and they often know shortcuts and means of expediting long processes. Thirdly, join student organizations, especially those that pertain to your major/career field. Having friends in these organizations is even more rewarding. You can learn what advisor to request, what classes are a waste of time, and what professors to avoidin short, they give you honest information that the university's offices cannot give. • Never, ever, skip a class. I know, the temptation is often too great to resist. There is no "consequence" for skipping a class, that is true; no principal or truant officer will track you down in college like they did in high school, but then again, you were not paying for high school. Every class you skip at Cleveland State, you might as well just burn $50. That is $50 you wasted by not showing up. If you are planning to attend a private college or a larger university, that $50 can become hundreds easily. Just for skipping ONE class. But, if you have to skip, make sure it is one of those classes that the professor does not take attendance. • That said, get to know your professors. Many students just attend class and bolt out the door when the class is over. Stay a little while extra, ask a question or two and get to know who is teaching you—especially if that professor is in your major field. If you cannot stay after class, then make a point to say "hi" when you encounter your professor in the hallway. You would be surprised how quickly a stern, impersonal professor remembers your name if you greet him/her in the hallways and on campus. There are intrinsic benefits as well. Professors might bump up your grade if you are on the edge, help you network with other faculty members, guide your papers and research, even give you another chance. Professors have a keen sense of knowing when you are lying, so just be honest and confess to being unprepared. Many times, you may be surprised by what they say. • Take your general education requirements as soon as possible. I encountered many seniors who to take a class that was completely different from their major to fill an unfilled general education requirement, wasting time and energy when they should have been focusing on wrapping up their major course requirements and senior projects. In your first two years of school, take your general education requirements. That way, you are exposed to all different subject areas early on in your education, and you can quickly figure out if chemistry or psychology is not for you, saving a lot of time and money. Also, if you like what you see in one class or another, ask your professor what higher level classes in that subject area are like, and they may let you sit in on one of their other classes. At the very least, by exploring as much as possible, you can quickly ascertain what is best for you. • Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. I am not going to lie, I am not good at math, and I am even worse at chemistry. Am I an engineer or a chemist? Of course not, because I know when to quit while I am ahead. If something does not work for you, do not try to force it. Even though being a lawyer may be a prestigious and tempting occupation to pursue, if you are a below-average writer and speaker, then it is probably advisable to pursue another career path. Play to your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Your sanity, self-esteem and GPA will thank you for it. I hope these pointers helped. As for me, I am looking forward to continuing graduate school at Cleveland State University, and, oddly enough, I am going to have to follow my own advice again. For those who have graduated this past spring and their families, I wish you the most sincere congratulations and the best of luck in your endeavors. / Éljen a Magyar! Tibor II Tibor Check Jr. is a member of Branch 28 Youngstown, Ohio, and a student at Cleveland State University. He serves as host of the “Souvenirs of Hungary” weekly radio show broadcast on WKTL-90.7 FM in Struthers, Ohio. Let's hear your take Let me know how you enjoy my thoughts and views on growing up Hungarian Style. If you have any questions or comments about me or my column, please email me at: SilverKingl937@yahoo.com, or drop me a letter in care of the William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. William Penn Life ° July 2011 0 9
