As we move into another year, or freshman if this is your first year, setting goals or creating a mantra can be extremely effective. As a sophomore, many aspects of college are still very new to me. I have the same nerves about classes, making new friends and getting involved. However, this year seems to finally be the year I have found my confidence. I don’t think I can take full credit for my happiness and confidence boost, because two of my teachers this semester have inspired me to follow their life advice which I am now passing onto you:
1. “Drive to where you want to park”
My education professor explained this simple, but very effective mantra early on. Basically, instead of parking really far from your destination because you believe there will be no closer spots, drive to the closest ones first. You never know when an opening might come up and then you save yourself time and energy. One can apply this to real life situations every day. Never settle for something that you don’t want or the second-best option. Always try out your best option first because you never know what opportunities might arise!
2. “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ it’s a matter of ‘when’.”
I know my professor was not the first to come up with this saying, but in class when I was talking about something I believed I could not achieve, she corrected my use of “if” and said, “no, when you accomplish ____.” This really changed my perspective on a lot of things because in reality you can do anything you set your mind to. Whether you want to make the basketball team, get a call back from drama club or get past any emotional doubt you might have. The power to change, practice, and overcome is always inside of you.
So whenever you’re feeling down, or unmotivated just remember college is what you make of it. Get involved, try your best and never settle. ?