Preparing for Senior Year

To say I'm scared of senior year is an understatement. College has come and gone in the blink of an eye and although I most likely will not be graduating on time due to dreams I want to pursue while still a college student, it's getting more real as time goes on. I recently picked my schedule for next semester, unfortunately I got stuck with an 8:30 (the ones I try to avoid) and got jipped out of a class that fulfills the language requirement which I still haven't completed. 

I've been freaking out about the logistics of where I'll be living next year, which will be the campus apartments, and having to rely mostly on the shuttle system and stressing me out. I do not trust the shuttle system at my school for several reasons. 1, The drivers are rude as hell, they never come on time 2, they never update the shuttle app on the phone to tell you when they're arriving and 3, there are so many people and students who rely on the shuttles when there's not enough of them on duty. Waiting for a shuttle not only to get to class; meaning I'm going to have to wake up extra early to get there on time, but the fact that catching one to get back the apartments is like the anchovy scene from the first season of Spongebob. If you don't know what this is I will enlighten you below:

Aside from worrying about getting to and from class, I will be very excited to start being able to have my own kitchen and not have to get a meal plan that consists of the school's laxative laced food. (I learned this today actually that food at most schools is laced with laxatives to stop students from getting food poisoning and then suing the school; shoutout to my sorority sister for telling me this tidbit of day-brightening info haha), oh yeah did I mention it's illegal? Yea I had no idea this was a thing. 

 

(Me as spongebob making my way to the shuttle hahaha)

I'm looking forward to senior year and reapplying for the Disney College program, something I have had my heart set on since I graduated high school, and I will be reapplying again and hopefully won't mess up any of the interviewing process and get to work in the happiest place on earth. I'm also excited to see what more exciting things my sorority will have to offer me, and having the thought in the back of my mind that I'll one day be leaving my sorority and graduating scares the absolute crap out of me. I wish I joined sooner because it has made my college career what it is. 

For now, transitioning into Senior year is going to be a big, exciting, and scary step, but I'm excited to see where my future college career takes me. I will keep you all updated on new and exciting things happening!

10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Second Semester Senior Year

To All College Seniors,

The time has come when you start calling yourself a second semester senior. This is a time when you will cry about all the "last times" you do your favorite and least favorite things. The last fraternity party, the last night of your lease with your friends, or even the last time in the library (if you ever went before). These are all experiences that will be only memories in a few months.

Luckily, you still have one more semester to make the most of your time in college. This means taking advantage of ALL aspects of being a college student. Here are some suggestions to really make your last semester your most memorable one.

1. Make smaller resolutions. We all know it's a new year and there are things we want to work on. This year, consider creating more manageable short-term goals instead of attempting larger, more generalized resolutions. Check out this article with some suggestions: http://elitedaily.com/life/25-new-years-resolutions-every-person-should-actually-make-for-2014/

Or, you know, you can go in this direction: http://www.buzzfeed.com/joannaborns/realistic-new-years-resolutions#.nda5Vzbve

2. Find an internship. Believe it or not, you still have time to get an internship for this upcoming semester. Time to get some experience for your resume! While making Dean's List is impressive, most employers are really looking for experience. You can find internships or similar opportunities on your university's website, through word-of-mouth from friends, family friends, or classmates, and even from a search on Google. Remember, even unpaid internships are worth the invaluable experience!

3. Or get a part-time job. If money is tight and you cannot locate paid internships, there are other ways to get experience. In fact, that side job will help you improve many professional skills such as time-management, customer service, or communication. Plus, it will be helpful financially while you search for a full-time job after college.

4. Go out on a random night of the week. You still have a few months left when it is considered acceptable to go out every night of the week. If you have been doing well in school throughout your college life, time to celebrate your hard work. Party with the friends you will have forever along with the people you will leave behind at that bar. College is a tough balance of social life, school work, and sleep, but it is definitely possible to do it all! Well, at least do the first two.

5. Visit career services. Your university has this resource for a reason! This office can help you with writing a resume and cover letter, finding and applying to jobs, and interviewing. Check me out in this documentary series discussing how Rutgers University Career Services helped me get my dream internship: http://vimeo.com/99563486

6. Skip class to go to the bar. This may look like terrible advice, but now is the time to take risks and have fun! As long as this isn't a frequent choice, skipping a regular class to go to happy hour one time will not be a time you regret next year.

7. Maintain your college friendships. Figure out which of your college friends are the ones that make you feel the happiest. Keep them close and show them that they mean a lot to you. Even though they may not live near you after graduation, you can definitely keep those friends for a lifetime.

8. Keep on top of your schoolwork. Yes, I did say to skip a class. But you are ultimately at college to get a degree. Get good grades by keeping your notes and list of assignments organized, getting to know your professors, checking your email inbox at least every other day, and answering/asking at least one question in class. I know it's hard not to take a Snapchat selfie, but try to keep your phone away during class to avoid getting distracted from taking notes.

9. Stay involved on campus. I never said making the most out of your college experience would be easy, but it is worth every minute you lose of sleep. If you are part of a community service project, a leadership organization, a theater troupe, or a sorority, you may feel like you are burnt out from these clubs. Don't give up just yet! These clubs helped you make great friends while participating in fun and rewarding activities. All of these clubs are still just as enjoyable as long as you stay an active part of it.

10. Be nice to everyone. Hopefully, you are already doing this one. Being considerate to everyone whether they are friends, acquaintances, or strangers will make you feel better about yourself. Those people will most likely remember you for your kindness. And hey, they may just have the connections you need for your first job!