Part One, "Reflections," Abigail's parting thoughts as the busy semester comes to a close...
I remember seeing a quote sometime during my freshman year. I can distinctly remember sitting in my dorm room, writing it down on a note card and taping it to my wall. It simply read:
"You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time but you will remember the time you wasted hanging out with friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday when you have a paper due on Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does."
This really resonates with me now. When I read it as a freshman, I could not comprehend how fast four years would go by. When I read it again now, it sounds absolutely bittersweet. I have one year left. One year to waste time with my friends. One year to fully enjoy college, to enjoy being young, to enjoy my freedom. One year to make an impression. Just one year.
So, to my little sister and every incoming college freshman, I say "please, enjoy every minute!"
Take the lesson of my quote to heart; make great friends. Stay out late. Enjoy your four years. Most important, take your time. Take the time to find yourself. Take the time to make an impression. Take your time ...and enjoy every minute of it.
Best regards,
- Abigail
Part Two, "Accomplishments," Tia's revelations and parting words of wisdom...
Going into my first year of college, I never thought much about what I was trying to accomplish in year one. I figured as soon as I stepped onto campus that I had became just another student trying to get by. I was another number. Little did I know that in that very first year I would actually separate myself from the pack.
Real accomplishment seemed so far out of my reach then. I believed I had no shot at any type of special opportunity because there was always going to be someone better (translation: better than me). Of course, in some cases, that was true. Still, in a seemingly seamless progression of days and weeks, as I took plenty of time to research and get involved in a couple of student organizations, everything changed. I found the "something" that allowed me to stand out.
It all started when I decided to join MSU's chapter of the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and that was in my first month on campus. I didn't know it then, but I had taken my first step toward something much bigger.
I started learning how to network, how to make real connections. I was also gaining knowledge, experience and confidence almost daily. I found myself working harder in my classes, and developing real opportunities - for myself. Through groups, classes and connections, I made some of the best friends of my life (yes, that includes Abigail).
Because I worked hard and tested my skills outside of classwork, I landed an internship this summer with Cone Communications in Boston, Massachusetts, An Omnicom Group company. In hindsight, I now see how every step of my journey actually prepared me for my future and for this amazing opportunity. I "accomplished" more than I dreamed possible and I just completed my sophomore year in college.
For any student, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the time to research and learn on your own, to take advantage of every opportunity you can. Test your own limits. Push yourself. Yes, there will be some stressful experiences. Just remember that each situation makes you stronger. Take the time to expand your mind and your experiences. But, most important, take pride, and enjoy your results.
Here's to a great summer!
Best regards,
- Abigail
Part Two, "Accomplishments," Tia's revelations and parting words of wisdom...
Going into my first year of college, I never thought much about what I was trying to accomplish in year one. I figured as soon as I stepped onto campus that I had became just another student trying to get by. I was another number. Little did I know that in that very first year I would actually separate myself from the pack.
Real accomplishment seemed so far out of my reach then. I believed I had no shot at any type of special opportunity because there was always going to be someone better (translation: better than me). Of course, in some cases, that was true. Still, in a seemingly seamless progression of days and weeks, as I took plenty of time to research and get involved in a couple of student organizations, everything changed. I found the "something" that allowed me to stand out.
It all started when I decided to join MSU's chapter of the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and that was in my first month on campus. I didn't know it then, but I had taken my first step toward something much bigger.
I started learning how to network, how to make real connections. I was also gaining knowledge, experience and confidence almost daily. I found myself working harder in my classes, and developing real opportunities - for myself. Through groups, classes and connections, I made some of the best friends of my life (yes, that includes Abigail).
Because I worked hard and tested my skills outside of classwork, I landed an internship this summer with Cone Communications in Boston, Massachusetts, An Omnicom Group company. In hindsight, I now see how every step of my journey actually prepared me for my future and for this amazing opportunity. I "accomplished" more than I dreamed possible and I just completed my sophomore year in college.
For any student, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the time to research and learn on your own, to take advantage of every opportunity you can. Test your own limits. Push yourself. Yes, there will be some stressful experiences. Just remember that each situation makes you stronger. Take the time to expand your mind and your experiences. But, most important, take pride, and enjoy your results.
Here's to a great summer!
-Tia
