What I Learned My First Semester of College

By Noam Gelles

 

Top 2 lessons I learned:

  1. Time management
  2. Stay above the drama

 
Here are the details:

  • Don’t procrastinate – do things as soon as they are assigned.
  • Work with others.
  • Go to office hours – professors are willing to help.
  • Don’t let what others are doing effect you – don’t copy.
  • Set multiple alarms.
  • Don’t worship the snooze button.
  • Meet a friend who likes to get up early for breakfast.
  • Stay positive – just because you’re doing terrible doesn’t mean you can’t turn it around.
  • Get tutors – they will save you.
  • Don’t cram for tests. Study with others in that class. Ask others who took the test about what’s on it.
  • If need student services, don’t be afraid to use them.
  • Don’t be afraid to go to counseling – it will help – trust me on that!
  • Make friends, for the love of God!
  • Don’t let the time your friends go to bed dictate the time you go to bed.
  • Stay true to yourself.
  • There will be alcohol – nothing you can do about it. People will get drunk and do stupid things.
  • People will get high and do stupid things. Avoid it!
  • Don’t be afraid to try new things, like new food and activities.
  • If you have a problem with your roommate, suitemate or anyone, talk to them about it. Don’t let it tear you to shreds. Tell them “Stop – I don’t like it.”
  • Give people space – if they don’t want to be around you at the moment give them time. Don’t force yourself on them.
  • Don’t act like you are desperate to have friends. If you are hanging out by yourself it’s not the end of the world – it might even be a good thing.
  • Be nice – people will remember you for it.
  • Talk to RAs (Resident Assistants) – they can do stuff.

 
Noam Gelles, son of Milestones Autism Resources Operations Director Mia Buchwald Gelles, is now a junior at Alfred State majoring in Computer Information Systems. He came up with this list while driving home for winter break during his freshman year.