Ask me questions, I give you advice!
How do you decide if you’re ready for a leadership position in the programs/student organizations you belong to?
I think at some point, everyone comes to a time in their life when they question where they plann on going; either continue on where they are or try to gain a higher position. That being said, at a university like DePauw where everyone is involved in at least one activity, I think the students hit that crossroad much earlier than some other people. If you’ve been involved with your activity for a good amount of time (maybe a year or more) and really have a passion for it and ideas of what you want to change/ contribute to the program, then you should consider stepping up your position. What makes a leader a leader is the drive to keep adding to the program and the commitment to keep it going. If you think you have those qualities, take a chance and step up. Most likely there will be someone to help you along the way so you don’t have to do it alone. An important note to make is that you don’t have to be captain or president to be a leader. As someone with experience and the right attitude, you can still assist and guide other participants without being the leader. I hope this helps you with your decision-making, and the best of luck!
Sincerely, Debbie
How do you keep close relationships with friends from home when you’re away at college?
This is a widely common situation so definitely don’t think you’re going through it alone. What’s helped me personally is having a group message. It’s a hugely convenient place to talk to everyone at once, not to mention that we can post photos, videos and memes for those moments that call for them. GroupMe is a great app for that and you can even name the group message, so check that out! In all honesty you’re probably not going to talk to your friends from home everyday, and that’s okay. You’re at college and you should be taking advantage of this time in your life and enjoying it. But don’t feel afraid to take a few seconds out of your day to check up with them and see what’s new. Update the home friends on big events or decisions that are coming your way and if something happens that made you think of them, let them know! At the end of the year for my friend group, we like to know when everyone gets back from around the country to have a celebratory dinner of being back together. Give that a try and you’ll see that sometimes it’s like no time has passed between being apart (even though it’s definitely been nine months). I hope this helps!
Sincerely, Debbie
How do I stop procrastinating?
The ultimate college question here! This answer tends to vary from person to person, but here are some tips that may work for you. Writing a daily to-do list is a huge bonus for organization because you can clearly see everything you need to do, but be sure to keep each task simple (like laundry or math homework) and don’t overwhelm yourself with a five page to-do list! Try to limit it to seven to 10 tasks so that you can cross most of them off and feel accomplished, as opposed to only crossing a few off and feeling bad about it at the end of the day. Limiting your distractions by finding a quiet space can also be a huge benefit. Go for a walk and search out a good quiet spot for yourself. Look for a table and lots of light, maybe a window (or not if you like to people watch). Cubicles work best for some people because it narrows down their focus but if you get claustrophobic opt for a more open, but still quiet, space. When you find your study spot, DON’T OPEN SOCIAL MEDIA!!! This is probably what gets people the most, because I know just how distracting Facebook and Youtube are. When you settle in to work, only open the tabs that you need to accomplish your assignment. This calls for a bit of self- restraint but you’ll need it down the road so no time to start practicing like the present. Use social media as your reward–if you work for 30 minutes in total focus, take a five to 10 minute break just surfing the internet before you get back to the grind. I hope this helps and good luck with your studies! (Now close out HerCampus and get back to work!)
Sincerely, Debbie
How do I set myself up for a successful future?
There is no point in time when you cannot be successful. Failure is inevitable, but so long as you determine to push through and keep working, you will succeed. With that in mind, it’s never too early to start figuring out what you want to do. Put your fingers in as many pots as you can until you find what you enjoy doing. Then start looking for experience related to your field of interest. Jobs and internships are phenomenal ways to figure out what the next step is for you; either you like it and will continue, or you don’t and you need to change tracks. If you get an opportunity in your prospective field, network as much as possible! Talk to everyone you come into contact with and make yourself known to them. Don’t limit yourself; keep your options open by asking around and inquiring from multiple places. The more you apply to, the more likely you’ll be accepted by one. Most importantly I think, connect with your professors. Not only are they going to be a great resource for networking but also they’ll write you a fantastic recommendation, which goes a lot farther than you think. Find your passion, and get to business doing everything you can for experience and grades. It’s okay to miss out on a few parties or sleepovers for the long run return. I hope this helps!
Sincerely, Debbie
How do I save money as a college student?
Another golden question here! There are tons of student discounts at stores (especially clothing stores), so be sure to ask when you go. The worst they can do is say no. It’s easy to shop at school because all you do is look online and with the press of a button, order that dress that you’ve been dying to have. But try to resist it!! Only shop when you want to treat yourself or when your favorite clothing store is having a big sale. If you have a small meal plan, get a membership card at the local grocery store (you wouldn’t believe how much money you can save from just having a Kroger card). Most importantly only treat yourself to Starbucks, don’t make it an everyday habit. Yes, it’s quick and easy and delicious, but at the end of the month those Starbucks drinks add up. Eating out has the same idea; yes we all want someone else to cook us something extra tasty but do you need that two or three nights a week? If the campus food is really that bad, make group meals with friends to split cooking skills and cost. I hope this helps you save a few dollars!
Sincerely, Debbie