Advice from a seasoned student

     This Saturday current students, alumni, administrators, faculty, staff, members of the community and friends of TLU helped move in the new students into their new homes on campus. Personally, I find the process over the top nostalgic. The residence halls at TLU hold some special memories from my freshman year, recollections that, while sometimes slightly embarrassing, are not something I'll soon forget.

     When I started here back in the fall of 2007, ages ago, I know, friends and family told me over and over that these four years would go by so fast and to make the most of the time I have. Now that I'm sitting in my last semester, I find myself repeating the advice over and over, even to myself (I've still got three months , three weeks and four days- but who's counting?). While graduating early doesn't necessarily follow the advice to the T, I still think I've got some good experiences under my belt and I'm pretty sure that makes me qualified to hand out some advice to our incoming first year group.

•  Don't be afraid to approach your neighbors. Keep in mind that everyone around you is going through the same thing you are. Making that first move is always hard, but you're going to need friends.
• At the same time, don't be afraid to venture out by yourself. It's perfectly fine to take a trip to Wal-mart by yourself or eat breakfast in Hein alone.  You don't always have to travel in a pack. One of the greatest things college has taught me is to be independent.
• Accept all the free food/trinkets/gifts/posters/t-shirts/koozies/fun and exciting items that they'll hand out in the first few weeks. It doesn't last too long. Enjoy it while you're meant to be there. I always feel like a moocher when I show up.
• Don't skip class. Unless it snows or Lady Gaga comes to town. Seriously, your professors notice and school is what you're here for anyways. 
• It never hurts to rush/go to the informational meeting. One of the best ways to meet people is through organization. Personally, being involved in the Greek system has been one of the defining factors of my experience at TLU. Finding a club or organization that you're interested in and going to meet the members and finding out more information always helps, but you need to take the first step.
• Seguin isn't as boring as it first seems. Its really all about perspective. You might not be doing exactly what you would have done back home, but tubing the Comal River; going dancing at Gruene Hall or Cowboys; spending the afternoon browsing through Wal-mart; hanging out on the lake; going to movie festivals at the Palace Theatre; visiting the farmers market in the square; taking a trip up to the San Marcos outlet malls; or just laying out a towel on the library lawn and soaking up the rays can actually be pretty fun too.
• Talk to the people around you, especially your professors. The reason that they're up there teaching you is because they care. Don't be afraid to approach them with questions or comments. They really don't mind, in fact, I know most of them enjoy getting to know students.
• Don't be afraid of the gym. Its free for students and they have some great programs throughout the year to help keep you motivated.
• The library is meant for you to go into, check out books, study quietly, work on group projects and take advantage of, you should use it. I'm pretty sure I went into the library solely for my class in the basement my freshman year, but last year, I lived there. You might as well start good habits early.

     Basically, it boils down to swallowing that fear, taking a deep breath and stepping outside your comfort zone to allow yourself the best possible college experience. You only get your first year at school once, so get out of your room, live it up and make some memories.