| | Don't you wish that someone or something should've warned you about the academic year? A guide, maybe; a warning that could have been really helpful.
(This is how Obama's inauguration affected me. Crap, I'm crazy.)
A (socially/emotionally retarded) Juvenile's Guide to Normalcy and Stability in College
A strange, new world awaits you.
You are ignorant. You do not know everything. Right now, forget your academic achievements prior to college. Rather than help you, it will make you seem like an arrogant a*s.
Make friends. How dare you say that you can survive alone. Swallow your pride and insecurities and ask help. Contract your facial muscles to form a smile. Gesticulate. Don't bring a book you're currently reading so as to force yourself to have stimulating conversations with your peers. Scratch that. Force is such a strong word. Be genuinely interested. Know the saying Don't judge a book by its cover? Remember it by heart and don't ever forget it. Accept that some people do give off hot air in the room. Don't mind it.
Be discerning of your decisions. You might regret it later. Take risks and just try. You've got nothing to lose since you're just a wimpy freshman. If you want to do something, even if you don't think you could do it, just do it (Nike has a good ad agency).
If you want to audition for the UP Manila Chorale, don't eat allergy-inducing food from McDonald's. They will cost you an opportunity.
Know your territory. That way, you can save more money.
Don't overestimate yourself. Get a dormitory unit or a condominium unit. The commute is hard. Traffic sucks. Sitting for two hours in a cramped car will make your butt sore.
Use technology to your advantage.
Think of the future but get your feet on the ground. Don't procrastinate. Don't feel like such a failure if you fail your first exam. Don't reassure yourself by using your university as an ice bag/safety net. Study. It works. It sure does. Don't lose your momentum by the beginning of the second month of the school year.
Enjoy. Play the guitar, sing in the shower more often, watch movies (preferably with your friends), practice your swing in the driving range, squeeze your dog's wrinkly face, draw, write, read non-depressing books, buy stuff for yourself, and spend time with your friends. In short, carpe diem.
Practice speaking in Filipino. It's embarrassing. At the same time, tame your twang.
The world wide web is your friend. Just don't make it your best friend.
Head-banging to Air Traffic, The Strokes, The White Stripes, Cold War Kids, Switchfoot, and other bands of upbeat music is cathartic. Stress is like, so uncool.
Laugh at yourself. It's fun.
Be familiar with the LRT, the MRT, the bus, the jeepney, and other alternatives of transportation. You will be needing this in the future if ever you need to go to various libraries, celebrations (the annual lantern parade), or would spend the whole day in your assigned MRT station (RockEd/NSTP).
Control your temper. It will induce palpitations and asthma attacks. Which reminds me, don't have an asthma attack before your Philo1 class But be thankful that you didn't get to watch the Oblation Run.
Your close circle of friends in college are great, funny, fantabulous people. No matter how cliche it sounds, treasure them. Find another less embarrassing word for treasure. Do manage to remember their birthdays.
Music is love.
Love for a certain subject has a symmetric relationship with your final grade.
(On a more serious note...)
Pray. Thank Him for opportunities, grades, and everything you will receive throughout the academic year. Pray for self-control, patience, joy, and perseverance. Have faith and be grateful.
|
| | Posted 2/5/2009 8:25 PM - 1 View - 0 eProps - 0 comments
- recommend
  - recs0
- share
- email
 - sent0
|
