How to Avoid the College Blues

The first year of college seemed thrilling to me. I was on my own doing things the way I wanted, and for the first time could show my parents how independent I really was. I had my own apartment, dog, car, job and a well-thought-out class schedule. I went through the whole college transformation, became a vegan, preached the word of karma, and vowed to change the world. Things were great for a while. After my first year of college my dog and I packed our bags and headed back home to daddy's house (with our tails between our legs).

That summer I decided to transfer to the University of Cincinnati. I was so excited to move back to the town I grew up in! It was the end of July and I was packing my things to go and look for an apartment. My boyfriend was watching me pack my things and we were discussing our relationship and if we should try the long-distance thing. I began feeling dizzy and felt like something may have been wrong. Seven pregnancy tests later we decided that I was pregnant! This changed my whole world. My family in Cincinnati said that if I had an abortion I could live with them while I attended school. No way! I told them. I was a vegan, humanitarian, college girl who was now pregnant. Of course it wasn't in my plan, but I was not a believer in abortion.

Of course, I stayed where I was in Indiana, my boyfriend became my husband (just recently) and my beautiful daughter is now two and a half years old. My second year of college became an extended stay in the hospital. Unfortunately, my vegetarian eating was what brought me to the hospital. I had picked up e-coli from eating spinach. My baby and I spent months in the hospital and I had to drop my classes.

This was not the plan! At this rate I would never become a veterinarian!

I soon learned that college does not always end the way we intended. I have, over the past four years, learned that nothing is set in stone and graduation is not the only thing to focus on while in college. It may take some time, maybe a lot longer than you thought, but keep your head up and stay focused.

Here are a few tips that may help if you are suffering from the college blues.

TIP #1: Keep in mind, everything Happens for a reason
No, I'm not preaching karma. This saying is very true in most cases. I was not meant to become a veterinarian. I would have found that out the hard way if I had not become pregnant, and moved to Ohio. I was so young when I started college and I though I knew everything and how I wanted my life to be. If you plan your life when you are eighteen, chances are your vision will drastically change in the future. You have not yet experienced the world, been exposed to thousands of opportunities, and met those who are in other professions that may spark curiosity. Those life changing happenings during college are all for a reason. They are shaping you into the person whom you will become after graduation, and may change your career plans.

TIP # 2:Remember what you are here for
I can not stress this enough, learn everything you can while you are in college. Often, students are blinded by just finishing and forget to learn! This holds true especially if your college stay has been longer than originally expected. Sure that diploma will look nice hanging on your wall, but it means nothing if you did not learn all that you could in your field of study. Ask questions, read material recommended by professors, and be an active listener in class to become prepared for life after college.

TIP #3: Make studying fun
Maybe there is a certain class, or classes, that have you singing the blues. Don't worry, everybody dreads some areas of study that are required of them. Find a buddy or two in those classes and make an effort to study together at least once a week. Make it fun! Go out to eat, catch a movie afterwords, just review materials talked about in class that week. If you are the competitive type, make a bet with your study buddy before the next test. The bet may be whoever has the lowest test score buys lunch or does the others laundry.

TIP #4: Set goals
Setting goals is a repeated "tip" that we have heard since grade school. But, setting goals is the best way not only to stay on track, but to visualize where your going and what you have already accomplished. The key is to stick with them. Sure they may be altered throughout your college career, but their purpose remains intact. Your goals may be as simple as showing up to class on time, or as complex as to study abroad for one year. Write them down and hang them somewhere where you can see them everyday.

TIP #5: Job Shadow
Job shadowing is a great way to learn about new careers and see first hand the responsibilities required of you in the careers you are interested in. Also, those professionals that you shadow may be great contacts for you after college. Make sure you write down their name and contact information for future reference. After a day of shadowing you may realize that your first choice for a career may be pushed back to second or third. Most colleges have a career service department or guidance counselors who will be able to help you find professionals to shadow.

TIP #6:Take advantage of student loans
Student loans can be complicated and deceiving, but sticking with those companies who specialize only in student loans is usually the best choice. These loans can cover book costs, tuition, and almost any other expense associated with school. Most lenders require a co-signer if you have not yet established credit, but obtaining them is rather simple. Visit web sites for companies such as Sallie Mae and make sure you read all the fine print before committing to the contract. Only take what you need, you do not want to have thousands of dollars owed on top of what you may already owe for tuition after graduation. Use this money wisely, and only on necessities; you will be glad you did when an emergency that requires money comes up!

TIP #7: Get Involved
Joining a few groups in college will not only boost your self-worth, but looks great on resumes. Ask around and find something that interests you. You can meet a lot of people this way and learn a lot too!

TIP #8:Finish what you start
Here in Indiana we hear a lot of "Kentuckian Jokes", such as, the Kentuckian who swam half way across the Ohio River and turned around in the middle to go back to shore because he was so tired. He should have just finished, right? (No offense Kentuckians!) Even though your choices in college may change, do not drop the classes that you have already started. Wait until the next semester to change your major or minor. You have already purchased the books and supplies needed for that class and have probably put in quite a bit of time studying, so there is no reason to turn back now. Those credits you earn may not be required for your future degree, but you never know what you may learn and how those classes may benefit you.

TIP # 9: Get to know your professors
I know nobody likes someone with a brown nose, but becoming acquainted with your professors is very important and can make a huge impact on your grade. After the first day of class ask your professor if they have a moment, and introduce yourself. Exchange contact information such as email addresses and phone numbers in case you ever need to discuss materials outside of class. If you miss a class you can simply email your professor to see what happened in class that day. Also, ask them what you would like to get out of their class and ask if there is any additional reading that they may recommend. Professors usually remember this and will automatically look at you as a responsible student.

TIP #10: Don't fall behind
Falling behind is probably the number one reason so many college students are suffering with the college blues. Missing class and important due dates will cause you to slowly get off track in your courses. Make sure you are in class everyday. If you know that you are going to miss a class let your professor know ahead of time so that accommodations may be made. Always turn your homework in on time! It's easy to simply forget about homework when you are overloaded, but if you don't have it finished when class starts ask if you may turn the assignment in later that day. Homework points may be the very thing that boosts your grade if you do poorly on a test.

Good luck to you, and remember to stay focused and positive!