Welcome back, Knights. It’s the start of a fresh and exciting semester with new classes, new roommates and new experiences. It’s natural to feel a little lost amongst all of these changes, so here are some helpful “do’s and don’ts” to make your semester the best it can be.Don’t be afraid to go all out and give college everything you’ve got. This is a brand new year; there are so many opportunities out there and you shouldn’t miss them simply because you weren’t prepared to put in the work. Work hard—really hard––in all of your classes; don’t deny yourself the attention and nurturing that it takes to succeed academically. Think of your classes as your children; each and every one needs the same amount of love and care or one will slip through the cracks and end up as a drug addict (in this context, an F). When it comes to social events, do put yourself out there. You don’t have to be the life of the party, but don’t be afraid to mingle and get to know people. Joining clubs or sports teams are great ways to make new friends. Don’t let anything hold you back from discovering new things about yourself. You never know; you could be an amazing broomball player. When it comes to social outings, be mindful of who you decide to hook up with. According to the United States Department of Health & Human Services, each year almost half of newly diagnosed sexually transmitted diseases occur between the ages of 15 and 24. Heavy partying and hook ups seem to be simply a part of the college lifestyle seen on television, but the reality is that there can be consequences for living that lifestyle. Make sure to use protection and schedule frequent tests for STDs. Most importantly, don’t forget about the main reason you are here: not to master the keg stand, but to master whatever it is you have decided to major in. Don’t lose sight of the real goal. As you go through this semester and your college experience, go ahead and discover, experiment, and really find yourself. Now is the time to do it. Don’t worry about what other people think of you; just worry about where you want to be in life and the kind of ride you want to get you there.
