Don't Stress by Elizabeth

Don't Stress by Elizabeth - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

College can seem daunting at times, especially for those entering as freshmen from high school. My advice to them, from someone who has been on that journey is: don't stress.
I firmly believe that stress is a product of “not knowing.” The unknown can be scary and a young student can easily find herself in a panic if she is unsure of where to go, where to start, or what to do.

However, I suggest obtaining control of the situation by starting with a goal, one class at a time. If the student’s goal is to obtain an “A” for a class, she should visualize that grade in her mind and know in her heart that she can earn it. Then she should determine, based on the syllabus, what she needs to do to achieve an “A” outcome. She shouldn't forget to communicate with her teacher, fellow students and advisors if she is not confident about what needs to be accomplished. Staying connected is key to knowing.

College is going to be one of the best experiences of a new student’s life! It's the place she will spend most of her time exploring her craft and creating social networks. She should get comfortable with her surroundings, learn the ins and outs of campus life and participate in clubs. She could also volunteer some time at places that make sense for her; if she is studying Library Science, for example, she could work at the campus library and learn from those more experienced. Most importantly, she shouldn't forget to slow down, breathe and have fun!