How I did it: I have no idea how I survived college. It truly was a tumultuous time in my life and it's amazing I escaped with the GPA and opportunities that I did. Now I am back at university finishing up another degree. Even though I have not graduated yet, I already feel accomplished and pleasantly content.

Lessons & tips: Honestly taking initiative over your college experience is the best way to navigate a university system. FIND AN ADVISOR WORTH TALKING TO. If you advisor is not interested in propelling you forward into the right classes and right opportunities: DROP 'EM. One can always ask the administration to find you a new advisor (happens more than you think). Find a professor who you are comfortable discussing your dreams, career goals, frustrations and pitfalls with. It is worth it's weight in gold to hear an objective bystander with expert knowledge give advice that fits your situation. Then, be honest. The more you are honest with your professors and are willing to do what they ask, the more the university system will work for you. For instance I am in an internship that I am completely unqualified to have and was approved for a grant to do an experiment I am not qualified for. Two professors who know me gave me those opportunities. My advisor has given me fantastic advice on what to do till graduation. It's truly worth it to make a faculty member your confidant.

Resources: Amazon.com is the best way to buy textbooks because they're usually cheaper than the book store (find out the two months before the next semester though and order then because your books might not arrive on time). The librarians are amazing at finding the materials you need. For spanish majors: Spanishdict.com. Chemistry majors: sigmaaldrich.com. Sociology: American Association of Sociologists offers a membership to students from $25. Art: most universities have special deals with local art stores, find your school's affiliate art supply store.

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Oct 26, 03:59PM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers