Sharing some encouragement and advice with a long-time friend’s first graduate to leave home was a reminder that it’s that time of year again.
In the coming weeks, many recent graduates from our region and else ware) will be leaving their nests to chase exciting new opportunities and bright futures.
First-year students in colleges and universities.
Some are the first in their family to cross that bridge of promise and possibility.
All we cheer on and encourage.
If this is you, below are a few touchstones, gentle advice, and a few shreds of wisdom gathered from experiences as a one-time freshman. Each are never far in the rearview, have always rung true, and each from a long walk down memory lane this week:
- A full course load is doable. The trick is time management. Some purchase monthly planners and organize them with a colour-coded highlighter set (one for each class or activity). Some colour-code calendar apps to organize time class or study time. In fact, time management may be the biggest key to success. Breaking up long reading or assignments into manageable bits, evenly, across multiple days can break up monotony.
- Keep a mindful balance. Each day, match the amount of time you commit to class and studies with the time put towards your passions, interests, activities, or trying new things. However, nothing having to do with productivity. Only joys and passions. This can prevent burnout.
- If you’re not sure what you want to be yet, that’s okay! Many of us have been there. Try new things. Explore possible roads that may lead to avenues of focus or career. Often, taking the required or mandatory classes can give ample time to explore possibilities one may pour their future into.
- Be sure to meet with a student advisor as soon as you can. They will help you chart every step of your journey. There are a lot of moving parts on all post-secondary roads. Upon confirming your student advisor, request and commit to meeting for a half hour every eight to twelve weeks to keep each other in the loop. They will help you stay on track, as well as inform you of other possibilities that may interest you.
- When you discover your area of study or passion, seek out a respected professional or faculty member and if they have time, ask them to be a mentor. Many have been down the roads you will experience, many times. They know the triumphs, the potholes, the efficient roads, the pitfalls, the emotions, and experiences of being a learner coming into their own. They can provide insight, advice, and encouragement.
- Technology can be a great asset. For time management, the Goodnotes app is helpful. To break up the monotony of long reads, the Speechify app can put your readings into voices such as Snoop Dogg, Obama, Paltrow, or others. A tablet with Microsoft 365 is great for note-taking. Sometimes, lectures can be transcribed with helpful apps.
- One of my long-time mentors (Ishpiming Migizi) once said, “Make friends with those that are on a success track or who also commit to a success track as you do. A crowd can pull one up or drag one down.” With affection and a nod to those who put in the grind, he said “make friends with the biggest nerds you know.” Choose your crowd with great care. Avoid all drama. This is your time to shine.
- Student groups, organizations, and student government can be fun (and can help build experience, sharpen skills, and be source of support) but always place priority on your classes. Each former can easily overtake the latter and responsibilities can snowball.
- Check out the sports teams. Not only can they be fun to watch and cheer for, but they are major gathering places and common ground for all students, no matter someone’s background, home region, or what year they may be.
- To become more well-rounded, wise, and mindful, take the time to explore all ideas, all sides of discussions and dialogue (and debate), even those you may disagree with or be unfamiliar with. Our world is extraordinarily complex and as much a place of ideas as it is a place of things or events. Being able to see from many points of view (wth reason above passion) is a strength shared by creators, builders, and leaders.
- Never mind the naysayers or doubters, you got this!
- You are opening a door to something so incredible, society has created a time for you to manifest the best of you, your potential, and your gifts. Listen. Grow. Explore. Seek insight. Reach for incredible literature. Take time to gradually sharpen your skills of speaking, reading, and writing…and the future is yours.
Good luck! We are rooting for you all and cheering you on!
– Robert Horton is an educator, author, orator, and linguist. He is a member of Rainy River First Nations
