MAXIMIZING YOUR FIRST YEAR IN SCHOOL
As a first year student, consider yourself fortunate to be numbered among the privilege few to gain admission into school,even if your course of study or the institution that you gained admission into may not have been your first choice, because millions of students write UTME and Aptitude test each year but don't have the opportunity you have now.In other words, where you are today (the higher institution) is someone's dream. It is a golden opportunity many would be willing to sacrifice anything for. It is once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue your dreams and destiny.Therefore what you make out of it might determine where you will find yourself tomorrow.
The first thing to avoid is ' carry over ' as famous quote says that experience is the best teacher, only if it is not your own.
In the context of Nigerian polytechnics and University,' carry over ' is a situation where a student have to repeat a failed course the following semester.
The second thing you should do to maximize your first year is preparing ahead for examinations.Preparing ahead is always the first step to turning out with flying colours in any examination. This is why students who prepare ahead always emerge the best.
Just as Mike Murdock says that 'Failure to prepare is preparing to fail '.
Some tips on how to prepare ahead
•Start early, Develop a personal timetable,get past questions.
•Take on extra classes,keep your notes away from problem people,Ask for help at the right time,set goals and have a picture of success
•Make the library your best friend.
Neil Gaiman said ' Google can bring back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring back the right one'.
The third thing you should do to maximize your first year is that you learn to cope with stress
The bible says in Proverbs 24:10 ' if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small'.
As a first year student,it is inevitable that you will be stress with school activities and adjusting your mind to your new school environment. Therefore learning to cope with stress is an integral part of success. Stress can weigh you down physically, emotionally and psychologically if you don't learn to cope with it.
To maximize your first year you need manage your appearance. Anonymous said ' people see you before they hear you '
Communication is 70% visual that is why it is often said that ' the way you dress is the way you will be addressed.
Another way to maximize your first year is to manage time and funds wisely
Lord Chesterfield said ' I recommend to you to take care of the minutes for the hours will take care of themselves
You are in school to trade time for knowledge therefore have a good sense of value for time. Never allow people or things that don't add to your success take your time unnecessarily.
Benjamin Franklin said 'Beware of little expenses.A small leak a small leak will sink a great ship
Lastly build good relationship,take good care of your health and make out time for God
Thanks for reading
