Handy tips for surviving college

Editor's note: This column is written by Kyle Hawkey, the son of Arizona Western College professor, Christina Hawkey.

I was recently asked what advice I would give college students. I was initially taken aback by the question. After all, I am still in college. What do I know? After thinking it over, I realized that I began attending college, full-time, when I was 16. I actually took my first college class (digital photography) when I was in fourth grade. I have also attended three different colleges/universities. Through it all, I have managed to become relatively successful in my pursuit of a degree. These are the lessons that I have learned from my college experience.

Make your class schedule work for you: Hopefully, you have an idea of what path you want to take in life. If nothing else, you should have an opinion in the matter. College counselors are great to take advice from. They can help you build your schedule and determine what classes you need to take. However, they are not the ultimate authority. If there is a class that you really want to take, then take it! This is the time in your life to explore your options and discover yourself. If a class is full, then go to the professor’s office and introduce yourself. Explain to them how the class fits into your schedule and ask if they will sign you in.

Sit near the front and introduce yourself to your teacher: Yes, in high school this would have made you a loser! But in college, things are different. In the collegiate world, the professor has ultimate authority ... not administration. Sit near the front of the room. Even if you don’t have any questions, make one up so that you have a reason to talk to the professor. Send him/her an e-mail at least one time thanking them for the class lecture. Tell the professor you really enjoyed the discussion (you can pretend at least once). Remember you don’t have to even like the class, but you do want the professor to know you appreciate them. I cannot stress enough the impact this will have near the end of the semester when you are on the verge of an A and need some extra credit; when you need a letter of recommendation the following semester; or when your assignment is one day late because your Aunt Sally is dying in the hospital. Professors are real people. They all have been to college and understand what it is like. Show some respect, thank them for their hard work, and make sure they know who you are.

Take at least one fun class every semester: College is supposed to be a fun time. Sometimes the fun gets lost between economics, chemistry, and math. Take one fun class every semester. It doesn’t have to be time consuming. Most colleges offer some great one- credit physical education classes, cooking classes, or something else exciting. I have taken up to 24 credits in one semester and can assure you that having at least one fun class to look forward to can help keep your sanity. Last semester I took a skiing class. When I went to college in Virginia, I took a newspaper class. At Arizona Western College, I have taken scuba diving, Italian cooking, canoeing/kayaking, blacksmithing, and even a billiards class. You need elective credits anyway. If you are already paying full-time tuition, the class won’t cost you extra money, but in the end you will have one fun thing that you have to do every week.

Stay in communication with your family: You are on your own now. It is an exciting time! Trust me, I know. But regardless of how much we try to deny it, mom, dad, and our siblings are still our family. They helped you get through school thus far, so let them help you now. I call my mom every single day. You don’t have to take it that far, but it is amazing how much talking to your family can help you through college. Tell them how stressful school is, how you miss them, and how your roommate is driving you insane. Most of the time, your mom’s advice is the best.

Live near your best friends, but don’t live with them: Your best friend is your best friend for a reason. You two do everything together and are always there for the other. But you have never lived together before. Things start changing once you are in college. Even if you remain best friends throughout this time, you will need some time apart. You can’t get this if you live together. My advice is to live with people you like, just don’t live with your very best friend. I have seen a lot of friendships get ruined by living together.

I am in no way am expert on college life. I am still learning. However, as you head to college for the first time, or back to school after a summer break, learn from my experiences. Always remember to have fun, but remember that grades are important, too!

Kyle Hawkey has attended Arizona Western College, Southern Virginia University, and Brigham Young University, where he is currently a junior. Kyle will be participating in a study-abroad program with BYU beginning Sept. 1, where he will be living and studying in Israel.