Graduate advises plan your own path, don't rely on others

You're on your own.

For many freshmen, this is the first time you're living under your own roof, making your own rules. Of course, there will be quiet hours and RAs trying to enforce dorm etiquette, but it's still a huge step from living in your parents' house. Now you're making your own decisions. There are the minor ones, such as whether to eat at Towers Cafe or make the walk all the way over to the University Center. (Make the walk, trust me.) And there are the bigger decisions, like changing your major or adding a minor. Here are a few things I wish someone had told me almost four years ago when I moved into Towers South for my first year away at school.

You're going to get a ton of flyers, pamphlets, rule books, schedules, sign-up sheets, etc. thrown at you during your first week. Of these, one should be a bulletin that lists every major, minor and class. KEEP this book! Treasure it! Seriously, sleep with it under your pillow if that's the only way you won't lose it. This book briefly describes every single class and which ones you'll need to complete your chosen major(s) and minor(s). Do NOT rely on someone else to plan your path to graduation for you. Your adviser's job is to advise you, not hold your hand. Master your bulletin now, and then the scramble to register for classes at 7 a.m. every semester will be much less tear-inducing.

Ok, now that you understand how to create your schedule, GO TO CLASS. Yes, even that one you signed up for as a "blow-off" class. I would be lying if I said I went to every 8 a.m. Friday class as a freshman. However, looking back, I would have been much more prepared for tests and missed fewer assignments had I bitten the bullet and dragged my hungover butt out of bed for one 50-minute class. Seriously, do you want to be the guy who failed Underwater Basket Weaving 101 because of poor attendance?

Skipping ahead a few years, many of you will have to do an internship before graduation. If you don't, I still suggest one to gain experience. It looks good on paper and really makes the transition into the real world less daunting. I speak from experience when I advise you to do your internship during the summer or a semester when you're taking a maximum of three classes. Also, try to schedule it during your junior year, or early in your senior year. Even get more than one in if you have the time. I did my internship during my last semester of college with a full class schedule, a part-time job and while serving as the managing editor for the Arrow. I don't wish those five months upon anyone.

We've covered the important, school-related advice, but I don't want to gloss over some personal things I learned during my time at Southeast.

You're going to drink -- probably more during these four years than during the rest of your life. Try to do so responsibly. I'd be lying if I said my friends and I never went out on a weeknight or went to fraternity parties or got into bars via questionable means. Sometimes I can't believe the stupid things we did, but it gives me the authority to tell you to not do what I did. Keep an eye on your friends. Go out as a group and come home with the group. And there's no reason for anyone to drink and drive. Fraternities and sororities often have sober drivers in place, and a cab ride from downtown will never be over $5.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, have fun. Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't take one bad grade too seriously. Go to weird organization meetings and take classes that sound interesting. Take road trips. Take pictures. Make friends from every background. Four years at Southeast absolutely flew by, but I have great memories and I still have many of the great friends I made there.