For some collegiettes™, this is our final semester being a St. Ambrose Fighting Bee. While the semester is going to fly by (faster for some than others) there are some things we should be making sure we get done before it’s too late. College is said to be the best 4 years of your life and we need to make up for lost time if it hasn’t lived up to our expectations.
Here is a checklist of important things to get done in the final semester:
Double check your graduation requirements. Get into your program evaluation, and double..no make that triple check your requirements to ensure you will have everything completed by the time you expect to graduate. Come May, nobody wants to find out they are missing a class and can’t get the diploma. Talk with your advisors to make sure everything is on track.
Visit the career center Haven’t found a post graduation job yet? That’s okay, neither have I. There is still time, and we have free resources to help us find a job. The career center has all the resources we need to start the process of job hunting. They even have a website “BeeCareers” where you can create an account and find internships and look at job listings.
Apply for graduation. You will be getting a few reminder emails on this, but make sure you have filled out that application otherwise you may not get to graduate on time. Don’t miss this easy task. It’s simple to fill out so get it done NOW!
Attend the etiquette dinner. Not only is the food amazing, but the etiquette dinner sponsored by the career center is a helpful night of learning the proper way to network and handle yourself in social events. You will find out the way you pass the salt and pepper shakers can make a difference in how a prospective employer or your boss views you. I have gone twice and it was beneficial both times.
Go to the Resume Drive-Thru. You may think you have your resume done as best as it can be, but to be safe have a professional set of eyes look over it and give you feedback. Everyone feels differently about how a resume is prepared, but the only way you can ensure yours isn’t going to be a hindrance is to implement the feedback you receive. And if yours is perfect already and they don’t have much to say, then that is just a wonderful feeling. There are a few chances to attend during the semester, and it won’t take longer than 15 minutes, SO JUST DO IT!
Conquer a fear.
Q. When and where is it acceptable to make a fool of yourself? A. IN COLLEGE IN FRONT OF YOUR FRIENDS.
Everyone has something they are too chicken to do or have thought about doing but the right moment hasn’t arisen. Get that done this semester; make a dent in the bucket list. Whether its something as simple as singing at live at the lounge or something slightly more terrifying like auditioning for a play, you never know how it’s going to turn out until you do it. Brave up and try something different. It may be fun and you’ll see that you have been missing out all along.
Spend time with friends. Chances are you won’t be living in close proximity with your best friends ever again so spend so much time together that you are practically inseparable. Do everything you love as much as you can. Obviously don’t forget about school and work, but you need to schedule fun nights, date nights and nights where you just plan on going wild or doing absolutely nothing at all. These are the moments you’ll remember forever but you need memorable moments to be remembered. (Try saying that five times fast).
Take advantage of the complimentary services on campus. Visit Nurse Nancy, the career center, the counseling office, security office, campus recreation, 24 hour computer labs, library, student success center and all the others. We are paying for these services and if you haven’t utilized them yet, please do so. Once you’re out in the real world you wont have the opportunity to get help at the drop of a hat. Cherish it while it lasts.
Eat your heart out. Either in the Cosgrove cafeteria or Rogalski food court, stock up on your favorite foods while you still can. I know it’s a new year and we are doing good (so far) on our diets, but nacho Wednesdays are limited, and the chicken nuggets in the caf aren’t going to be around forever. Don’t forget about Super Bowl night with the big game party food! Before you know it, you’ll be responsible for making your meals so why not enjoy having Sodexo on our side a bit longer.
Don’t procrastinate; make the library your friend. This will be the semester where we don’t procrastinate; we work ahead and don’t stress out. This may be real high hopes, but I have faith in each and every one of you that you have the ability to better manage your time and get your priorities straight. Everything starts right now to get on top of your homework assignments. Get off Facebook, get a study room in the library, crack open a textbook and review those lecture notes. You may notice your energy level changing (in a positive way) if you start working ahead and come to class prepared. If you are an overachiever, plan ahead and get assignments done early. Your professors may give you some extra brownie points and you’ll have some self satisfaction.
Most importantly, enjoy every single moment. This is self explanatory. Don’t take things too seriously. Laugh as much as you can. Remember, nothing lasts forever. Your time is now, and you can shine.