Written by Vrinda Agarwal, Vice President
Many people have asked me: How do you manage to stay on top of everything, have fun and do so much more than just academics? Well, as much as I wish there was an empirical answer to give, there simply isn’t one. My college experience is like my personal journal, full of memories, hardships, lessons learned, and fun. However, the one thing which has remained constant is the vision I had for myself and that’s what really keeps me going.
So, take it from someone who has been there and benefited from all these self-taught tips, here are just a few of them:
1. Get involved and stay involved all four years: I joined HVC in my first semester of freshman year along with a variety of other clubs. I did so because I wanted to be sure of what I was getting into as well as learn more about the people around me. Additionally, being part of any organization, related or even unrelated to your primary focus of study is essential because the most important lessons are often learned outside classrooms. One can keep switching organizations and trying new things, but to stay in one place and grow from ground zero is rewarding. You not only make great friends, but also can notice your progress from day one to the present, and believe me, it’s a proud moment.
2. Go to class: As obvious as this sounds, going to class has always been my top priority. Not only because I don’t want to miss important course information but also because I believe that classes keep me in touch with the entire purpose of coming to college: to attain knowledge, not just a degree. Two years from now, when I graduate, I want to be able to look back and have no regrets whatsoever that I could have done this differently. So even if it’s -10 degrees when you wake up for your 8am, get going! All the hard work is going to pay off.
3. Make connections: As heartless this might be perceived; everyone can get good grades now. What will make you stand out is the person you are and not what your transcript says about you. Go out there, meet new people, talk to your professors, who are one of if not the best resource throughout your college experience. You just need to get out of your shell and get going. People appreciate others who can tell their story and make meaningful connections. Go to a random bonding event, speak up in class, get involved, and go to office hours because you never know who’s watching!
4. Have a diverse circle: Being an international student, I always valued the importance of culture. Without an exposure to multicultural perspectives and experiences, individuals can find themselves attuned to synchronous ways of thinking — a concept that became apparent to me when I first came to the U.S. Being a COMM major, having a perspective which is different is as important as knowing how to write. To achieve that, it is important to surround yourself with not just like-minded people, but people who have had a very different way of life. These people can help you to see things differently and open a new world of possibilities and ideas which will make you stand out in everything you do because perspectives matter!
5. Hunt for experience: Regardless of the field you are in, experience is what sets your education into motion, channeling it into knowledge. I got my first internship in freshman year and currently; I am taking part in my fifth! This journey was incredibly insightful and helpful. It made me see if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life or at least five years from now. This summer I realized that the communications field was not what I really wanted. As much as I enjoyed it, I wanted something more challenging. None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t tried new things, interned, or even spoken to people around me.
6. Say yes more often: Say yes, a thousand times yes! I was a big NO person before I came here and had to start learning how to say yes consciously. Saying yes to meeting people, opportunities given, and doing things which were way out of my comfort zone. It opened a new world to me and made me realize how vast the pool of learning and resources could be, if only you are willing to put yourself out there. So, no matter where you are and what class you are in, say yes. The worst thing that could happen is you will learn a valuable lesson in time management.
Happy Valley Comm 