By: Rhett Seitz
We blinked, and summer is officially over. Now it’s time to get back into the books. But a new semester isn’t just an opportunity to study hard and chip away at your degree. It’s also a chance to explore new opportunities that will shape your time at Southern. Here are some lessons I’ve learned during my years at Southern:
1. Get out of your comfort zone
This is my biggest piece of advice. Take a risk. Try something new. You can ask someone out on a date, join a club or go on a Sabbath afternoon hike.
College is the perfect time to challenge yourself and experiment. You have to explore to discover what fits you. This may require failing at times, and that is ok. The only unacceptable failure is not trying at all and staying where you currently are.
For example, when my close friend asked me to go to the sauna with him. Originally wanting to say no, I finally agreed and decided to go. I did not know that my visit to the sauna would end up being an opportunity that led me to meet all kinds of different people.
2. Network, network, network
College is a unique time to meet all kinds of people from different backgrounds, each with their own perspective. Most people are open to conversation and if someone isn’t interested, don’t worry, there are plenty more people to meet on this campus.
The most overlooked people to network with is the faculty. The faculty here genuinely care about students and want to help you, which sets Southern apart from other universities.
Some of the best advice I have ever received has been when I sat in professor’s office, not necessarily asking about the class, but about life’s big questions.
3. Take care of your body and yourself
It’s easy to let your health slide when academics take center stage, but your body is the vehicle for everything you do. If you’re sick or run down, nothing else functions properly.
Eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, soak up some sunshine and practice basic self-care. These things don’t take much time but neglecting them can cost you later.
4. Don’t forget about Him
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in college is neglecting my time with God. Life gets busy, and skipping morning devotionals or prayer might seem tempting. But even a few minutes spent in prayer or reading the Bible can make a big difference in your day.
Remember, you don’t always need a special place to pray. You can talk to God on your way to class, in between assignments or whenever you need guidance.
For me, I like to talk to God when I am driving alone as that gives me time and space to talk with him and tell him my burdens.
There are countless ways to start the semester strong. You don’t need complicated college hacks or elaborate systems. All you need are just a few thoughtful life adjustments, which will hopefully set you up for a successful, fulfilling semester.
