1. Crying doesn’t work
When I was a kid and didn’t get my way, or got cut in the recess line, it was easy to find myself welling up. As I got older, I realized that crying is possibly the least effective way to handle a situation. Get a bad grade on a test? Crying won’t change it, but studying harder next time will. Bombed an important interview? Crying doesn’t give you another shot, but preparation for the next one will help. Missed the deadline for an assignment? Crying isn’t going to extend it, but diligence will help you out for the next one. Don’t get me wrong, crying can be therapeutic (I’m all about crying to relieve some general sadness), but when it comes to actually solving your problems, don’t rely on it.
2. Dogs are always there for you even when the rest of the world forgets about you
Leaving home without your furry friend is heartbreaking. Oftentimes, they’ve been there for you through everything, they listen without judgment, and they love unconditionally. Coming to college and feeling left out or lost? Seek out a dog (or a cat if that’s your thing)! There are so many organizations on campus (PAWSitive Outreach, CAPS Therapy dogs) and off campus (Atlanta Humane Society) that need your help, so if you’re feeling lonely, reach out!
3. Curiosity never really killed the cat
It is so important to be inquisitive. Asking questions and truly learning about a subject will never put you at a disadvantage. Honestly, it tends to make you stand out in the eyes of those around you. Emory is a fountain of knowledge and every person here, whether paid to be here or paying to be here, has a lot of information to offer you so ASK QUESTIONS! You have no idea how much information is at the tip of your fingers.
4. Respect is a major key to success
Okay, I get it. Class is boring, the professor is droning, time is in a vacuum, and Snapchat or Instagram are the only means of survival. I’ve been there, I know the feeling, but PLEASE try to refrain from using your phone or disrespecting your teachers by being on Facebook. First of all, they know. Secondly, you’re paying tuition to learn from them, so being present in the classroom is a good way to get your money’s worth. Finally, if you are going to be on your phone or on Facebook or online shopping or watching football, don’t be surprised when you get called out.
5. The quality of a person is more important than the quantity of achievements
Everyone jokes about it here, but there is a sense of competition that can be daunting. People pass along incorrect study guides, share the wrong times for review sessions, or ultimately seek out their own success while their humanity gets put on the backburner. I know Emory is challenging, but damn, don’t forget that you’re a person. There isn’t a quota of awards or accolades that make you a good person or a fun person to be around. While academic and professional successes are awesome, at the end of the day it matters whether or not you were able to retain a shred of your identity outside of them.
6. Tell the truth
Lying! Is! So! Silly! No one here really knows you and being able to recreate yourself after high school is a #blessing but there’s no need to reestablish yourself on the basis of lies. There will always be a group, a class, a professor, a squad, or even a single person that wants to meet and know and appreciate a person exactly like yourself. Don’t lie about the things you’ve done or the things you like, compromising yourself in the face of newness. Everyone wants to hear your truth.
7. Learn from everything
There are opportunities here that you wouldn’t even believe. Whether it’s doing your homework, attending a guest lecture or panel, watching a demonstration, chatting with a table member at Wonderful Wednesday, or just listening to a group of people at Cox, you never know how much you can learn. Generally, people look at university as a place to learn and grow academically and professionally, but the real growth is meant to be personal. Learn from everything, grow from everything, and take advantage.