Advice to Future Undergrads

About seven years ago I found myself in the middle of Washington, D.C., at Howard University, considered the Harvard of HBCUs. College seemed like a huge step from high school and now as my little brother embarks on his journey to college I have some advice for future undergrads.

Learn about the city surrounding the college.

If the college that you have chosen (or has chosen you) is in a new city learn as much as you can before you go and especially once you are there. When I went to Howard, I didn't even know D.C. had a metro, until my RA took everyone to a restaurant in D.C., via the metro. I eventually learned the metro very well and now even after I moving back to my hometown if someone needed to get to the Verizon Center I could tell them which trains to take. It is important to learn about the city, because you'll be there for four years or more and knowing where the cheapest food is could be a life saver.

Listen! Listen! Listen!

Your professors, advisors, deans, president, provost, etc, (parents are also included) will say important things that you will need to know. There are always important dates being shouted out to you almost every day, not just for your history class, but dates important for you as a student, such as the dates for class registration for freshmen. If these days are missed then you'll have to register late. You may think "Oh well I still get to register." This is true but usually classes are filled and you will find yourself with the required courses for the semester which can set graduation time back. Listening will help you get ahead in college because when you listen and follow through, you'll be able to take two steps ahead opposed to two steps back and in college you always want to be two steps ahead.

Open your mouth and talk!

Although you may listen to administration and professors it may still be unclear as to what the instructions or directions are or what they were lecturing about. Always ask questions! Also professors are just a scarier version of you high school teachers and they would like to see class room participation also. Now my brother is on his way to college and at his orientation one of the biggest comments made by faculty was "open your mouth." The example that they gave parents and students was about AP test scores. Advance Placement Tests, known as AP Tests, are exams which high school students in AP classes take and if they score a 3-5 they are usually eligible to get college credit. In the example from the faculty of the school the student must tell someone at the college that they have scored a 3 or higher in order for the school to recognize the scores and give them the credit. Even if your score has been sent to the school, it is safe to assume that they are still unaware of you score and they should still be notified upon your registration. Another example would be if you are having trouble in a class. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. You've probably been told many times to talk to your professors about needing help but, it is also good to develop a good student/professor relationship because this person may write a wonderful reference letter on your behalf for the job you will seek after graduation, So talk! This not a time to be shy or quiet.

No one is going to hold your hand.

College is the first step towards adulthood and no one will be there to hold your hand every step of the way. YOU will have to go to the financial aid office and they will be mean, depending upon what school you go to, but you must face them yourself. Remember how your wonderful mother would help with a school project or literally do your project, well in college you will be faced with doing your own project. You will get your own poster board and other materials and do the work for yourself. Also that same wonderful mother who would wake you up in the morning will not be there, unless you plan on living at home and commuting to classes. Invest in an alarm clock, and learn how to wash clothes (especially young men). It may be difficult to get accustomed to doing things on your own but once you see your growth in independence you will feel good. On the other hand your mom might be sad to see you grow up or she might be extremely happy now that she can take a rest.

*Overall don't be alarmed about college, it's you pre-real world experience. You will cherish the this time for the rest of your life and when it's over you might even miss it.