Freshmen Friday: Advice from an Upperclassman

Texas Tech University is full opportunity, fun, and growth! I hope the Freshman here can relate. I’d love to share with you how I sorted through a few of those things my freshman year at Texas Tech.
 
1. Get Involved
You’ll hear it over and over again, because it proves true over and over again. When you join a club, organization, service group, you make friends and create accountability for yourself. A good rule of thumb is the rule of three. One organization focused in your major or college, one service based, and one for fun! Try something new, meet different people, and always introduce yourself first. Remember, everyone is in the same boat you are!
 
2. Study
College involves studying, shocking I know! High school may have been a breeze, so take the time to learn how to study while you are in your basic courses. Try out the library, coffee, shops, or your room desk for studying. Buy 100 different color pens and use them! Try stick notes and notecards and group studying and studying alone. Read out loud, teach your roommate that tough problem, and ask your professor questions.  What works for you? What makes the material sticks best?
 
3. Balance
Tech is a blast, make sure you are taking advantage of it! School is obviously a top priority, but college is learning how to meet and befriend different people, gain confidence, and balance school, work, relationships, and personal health. You’ll be bored, and then overwhelmed, but through trial and error, you will find your personal limit, trust yourself and stick with it.
 
4. Reach out
Mentorship is now a buzz word, but as a freshman I learned to reach out to people around me and a few of them did become mentors. If I wanted to get involved in an organization, I’d message an older student (mostly Terry’s) who I heard was already involved. Every single one was kind and responded, the worst they can do is ignore you! Gain a little courage and ask peers, older students, and the adults around you for help.
 
 Rachel Myers 


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