Six Simple Rules to Survival

by Megan Foltz Crawford

​So, you’re going to college. Are you nervous? You should be. College is a huge opportunity! But, it gets better! You are a Terry Scholar! Howard Terry was blessed with a football scholarship to the University of Texas and then wanted to pass his blessing on to all of us! The only thing you must do is give back. Simple enough. You’ve obviously have had experience giving back, since that was one of the requirements to being a candidate for a Terry Scholarship. (Know what the requirements are because you will be asked at orientation.) But, wait have you thought about yourself? There is a Terry type, one who cares about others and only wishes to make the world a better place.

​We spend our time so consumed with the idea of fixing things around us, that often we bury ourselves in our work, then troubles pile up and anxiety rises. This eats away at us, but you hide it. Then it starts to take its toll. I’m here to help! Speaking from experience it does not have to be this way. You can live a happy, healthy and safe life in college. And with a little help from a few people and maybe some Disney characters, you can learn to create YOUR life, YOUR happiness and of course YOUR dreams.

There is a Terry type, one who cares about others and only wishes to make the world a better place.

Rule One: Be yourself. Always.

“The greatest risk any of us will take, is to be as we are.”  -Cinderella
 
I came to college with the idea I had it together, and my entire small town also thought I had it together. That wasn’t the case. I was an emotional mess and held everything in. I mean everything. I only told people what they needed to know and I did not need help from anyone. I was wrong. I didn’t even know myself, because I had never shared my true self at the risk of others judging me. Once I meet my Terry family (Shout out to y’all!) I was finally able to open up and be the person God wanted me to be.

Rule Two: Take care of yourself
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“Let’s start by taking a smallish nap or two…” -Winnie the Pooh

​Eat right. Exercise. Sleep. Take time for yourself. Now you repeat that 3x in your head. (I know you didn’t do it, do it now.) College can be hard and stressful. I won’t sugar coat it. But, you will not be able to handle it if you are not at your best. Emotionally or physically. I’m about to sound a little bossy, but you need to hear this. I understand there is stress and you don’t want to talk about it. You really should though. Tech has a mind spa that is centered around reliving stress and it’s FREE! Need a good gym, or a nice swim, the Rec is FREE! (These are covered in your tuition, so instead of getting everyone else sick go.) A short-needed nap is also, FREE.  A trip to the clinic on campus to see a real doctor or talk to a therapist, is again FREE. Healthy delicious food can be found on campus. You cannot be yourself if you are not healthy. And I shouldn’t have to say this, but please sleep.

Rule Three: Call home

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” -Lilo & Stitch 
 
Even though you left for college, you are still a part of your family back home. I don’t care if you’ve made a completely separate life for yourself. It is so important to call those who have cared for you and got you to this point in your life.

Rule Four: Make friends

10 minutes into Toy story and chill and he's got his friend in you

“You’ve got a friend in me.” -Toy Story

​Yep, that’s right. Nice to meet you I am Megan Crawford, and I am your friend. (If you want me to be, of course.)  This is where I found myself and those like me, who shared dreams like mine, who’s pasts where like mine, and who did not judge me. Now I know, new town, new people. Not that easy to do. Well, you got me, that’s a start and Heather purposely puts all Freshman Terry’s in Murray on the same floor, so on move in day you have no choice but to follow her and meet all your Terry neighbors. (She basically forces you to be friends, but it is a good force.) You would not leave your room if it wasn’t for her. Welcome week is full of fun things to do, but you know you won’t want to go unless you have someone to go with. That’s where all your new Terry friends come in! Whoo! Before you know it you’ve found a family!

Rule Five: Be safe and be smart.

​“If you don’t think, then you shouldn’t talk.” -Alice in Wonderland

​You are an adult and you have the opportunity to make the right choice. This should be a clear message, but here are a few reminders. Don’t cheat. Don’t post anything anywhere you wouldn’t want your mom (or Heather) to see. Do not be afraid to call someone if it means your safety or someone else’s. Don’t go anywhere without telling someone. Look both ways crossing the street. Know where the blue emergency lights are on campus. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Illegal crock pots in the dorm are one thing, but other illegal things are more trouble. Do your homework.  Go to class. (Even your 8 am) Use sunscreen. Do not get a pet dog (Heather will find out.) Learn to budget! (ask Heather or Christy of help. Please.) The back of your Raider Card has safe ride numbers, also FREE!

Rule Six: Get involved.

“Adventure is out there!” -Up
 
Join something. Anything. Go to church. Go to a basketball game. Get a job. Run for an office. Rush. Join a club. Start a club. Play intramurals. Meet new people. College has so many opportunities and you’re most likely missing out. The Terry Foundation is a great place to start and your Terry family is too! The websites www.ttu.edu/campus-life/studentlife/student-organizations.php and orgSync are incredibly helpful tools.
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There you have it. Six simply rules to survival. 

​Your happiness is everything, but your studies are a pretty close second.  These are the bare basics, but I felt they deserved to be shared. I am beyond excited to meet you all. (We are already great friends, remember?) I wish you the best of luck here in Lubbock and for the rest of your endeavors. And please come by say hi, I’ll be in Murray too!  
 
Lots of love, best wishes, hakuna matata,
Megan Foltz Crawford