10 Things The High School Guidance Counselor Probably Will Not Discuss
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1. Eat sensibly and exercise. Campus food does not resemble home cooking and fast food will pack on the pounds.
2. Understand the student faculty relationship. The student faculty relationship should not involve sexual tension. Lecherous classmates or professors are not to be tolerated. Both are to be reported immediately.
3. Listen to your gut. There are hundreds of decisions you will have to make about your academic and social life. Do what’s best for you. You have your parents and the school administration as a safety net and don’t hesitate to consult with them, but start the process of making your own “informed” decisions.
4. Be Balanced. Work hard and play hard. Exercise your spirit and body. College is the time you are putting the finishing touches on adulthood. Take advantage of everything college has to offer from lectures and plays to protest and football. Also don’t forget that there is a real world and make sure that you do things to remain connected to it.
5. Expand Your IQ. Take some courses for the pure joy of learning something different. Consider combining completely separate disciplines that will provide you with a unique perspective and perhaps a unique career.
6. Have a Passionate Goal. It’s prudent to choose a major that offers security, but each day is a joy when you love your work. You expand and explore new boundaries when you are passionate. You also excel when you are passionate about your work. There is no gain without some risk.
7. Be in Charge. This is your time to develop. Use your gut feeling, but be smart, don’t assume, find out the facts, be diligent and persistent, think tough and stay flexible with an open mind – there are no absolutes.
8. Expand Your Social and Cultural IQ. Diversity has taken on an entirely new meaning. Take advantage of opportunities to meet and know people unlike you. Get out of your dorm room meet classmates from other states and countries. Participate in student exchange programs with other colleges or study and travel abroad. You will be a richer and wiser person for doing so and it becomes more difficult to take the time to immerse yourself for extended periods once you begin your career.
9. Lean to Communicate. Communication: written, verbal and now digital communications are fundamentals of power and success. Learn to write, speak and effectively utilize technology to communicate your ideas. No other skill has the power to make you look smart, feel confident and be given the opportunity to put your career on the fast track than effective communications.
10. Have Fun and Protect Yourself at All Times. Enjoy and savior your college years. It’s a time to have fun, but always remember that you are responsible for your safety. College campuses like any other conclave of people can be dangerous. Don’t travel alone, especially at night, be suspect of strangers, use common sense, remember the things your parents taught you, be confident, buy your own condoms and water-based lubricant, don’t take chances. Learn to protect yourself financially as well. Do something to earn money so that you appreciate what it takes to accumulate cash before you spend it. Make savings a priority. The savings habit is acquired and with time is the key to financial independence. When it comes to financial aid loans, borrow only what you need and never put yourself in the situation of asking the financial aid officer, “How much more can I borrow?” This question is a sure sign that you are out of control. Become credit card savvy. Making minimum payments is a foolish and costly mistake for most anyone, especially a college student.

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