The ABCs of making your time at university count
THE last time many of us revised our ABCs was when we were in kindergarten. But this simple concept can be applied to tertiary education. How? Concepts such as philanthropy, friendship and networking will come alive by the use of the alphabet as a mnemonic. By following this simple but comprehensive outline you will be able to make the most of your university experience.
A — activism
It is important that you learn the importance of being active and being involved in your community. As one of the educated members of the Jamaican society it is also expected of you as a citizen! Individuals will look to you for leadership and when they knock, answer the call.
B — boundaries
It is important that while you are at university you know your boundaries and limits. Respect the boundaries of others as well, both personal and otherwise. Know your limits and play within them. You don’t always recognise your limits until you go beyond them, then you have to take a few steps back.
C — cardio (as in exercise)
Keeping yourself in good health is important. Spending time each week to stay in shape is a great way to preserve your health so that you can live a fruitful life, especially when you do graduate which is where life really begins. Make it a point to schedule regular exercise with friends, whether its watching a video online or jogging around the campus with a friend.
D — diversity
The campus is a rich microcosm of society. Without even leaving campus you can interact with so many persons from so many different nationalities.
E — experience
Never undervalue an experience. You must seek to embrace the lesson in each experience. This is a sure way of ensuring that history doesn’t repeat itself. So do your best to leverage the experiences you are having today so that they will be of great value to you in the future.
F — flatmates
If you get the opportunity, you should share living space with other people. You will definitely form friendships, but you will also learn soft skills which are vital for the real world. Compromising is one such skill as well as being considerate. Who knows? The person you end up rooming with could become the godparent for your first child.
G — God
It is important to maintain a sense of spirituality while at university. Mind you, there are going to be many distractions as well as time-consuming schoolwork which can divert your attention from God, but to prevent this, join religious fellowships. Attending church with a classmate is a great way to worship and meet new people.
H — heart
In everything that you do, put some heart into it. Half-hearted attempts will get you nowhere! Be passionate about the things that you get involved in. And the results will speak for themselves.
I — ideas
Many of the world’s innovations are secondary to great ideas. You may be in a line waiting to buy something and you get an idea just like that! Many companies were started by students while still at university, one being Facebook. So while you are learning, think as well, you can never tell what you can create.
J — Jamaica
Jamaica is a true island paradise. You should explore Jamaica while you are in university because once you begin to work your time will be limited. You can even invite along foreign students on one of your trips.
K — kinship
There will be many opportunities to form kinship relationships while at university. Your classmate could be the one to introduce you to your future husband. The possibilities are endless and I would encourage you to invest in your relationships.
L — learning
Learning is fun! But it’s important to note that learning doesn’t always have to take place in a classroom. Learning can be on and off campus, so keep your ears and eyes open for opportunities to learn. Learn at a higher level, develop those critical thinking skills. Reading maketh a man, so read and read outside your area of interest.
M — mentors
Choose wisely those whom you choose to take advice from. Allow the relationship to mature naturally. There are many great mentors out there, just keep on searching until you find the right one.
N — network
It has been said that your network is your net worth. While at university make it a point of duty to form relationships with different people in different faculties and from different walks of life. Even after graduating, make it a point to stay in contact with these people so that if the need arises, they will be able to assist you in whatever way they can.
O — opportunities
Going to university is an opportunity in and of itself. University is a fertile ground for opportunities and so you should keep your eyes peeled for research, job, relationship, business and religious opportunities. Capitalise on these opportunities.
P — philanthropy
Share your blessings.
Q — quiet time
It is important to set aside some quiet time each day so that you can sort through mentally all the happenings in the day. By doing this you can become more purposeful in your actions and be better able to achieve your desired goals.
R — represent
Whenever you get the opportunity, represent. Represent not only yourself but your family, your institution, your country! The world is filled with limitless possibilities. But in order for you to take advantage of these opportunities, you have to show up on a daily basis.
S — scholarship
This is not just scholarship in terms of financial support for your education, but in terms of the quality of the work which you produce while at university. Produce work of a higher standard and you will get noticed. There is no substitute for quality scholarship. You should also apply for each and every scholarship you can so that you can be able to focus on your schoolwork instead of worrying about financial problems.
T — timetable
There is only so much time in the day, a good portion of which will be scheduled time. Take the time to know when you have to be somewhere and when you are free to do what you wish.
U — university
Tertiary education is a privilege, so make the time there count. Set goals for yourself. Enjoy it, have fun, meet lifelong friends. Remember also that time is short, so make calculated decisions which will get you closer to your goal.
V — vulnerability
Being vulnerable can be uncomfortable. Though risky, by making yourself vulnerable you put yourself out there for the whole world to see. There is hidden power in being vulnerable as it is the birthplace of creativity. Take the leap.
W — work
There is no substitute for this. Go hard or go home. Mind you, the temptations will be many, but you have to develop a steely determination so that you can achieve your goals and make your supporters proud.
X — X factor
While at university take the time to find your X factor — that one noteworthy talent that you alone possess and that makes you stand out. By taking the time to do this, you can begin to capitalise on it from early.
Y — you
Your time at university is dependent on you — how you spend your time, the goals you set for yourself, etc. The onus is on you.
Z — zeal
There is no substitute for true passion. Enthusiasm is a prerequisite for success. It is a true delight to be around someone who is truly passionate about what they do. Aspire to be that person who everyone wants to be around because it is just a joy.
Nicole Nation is a student of the University of the West Indies, Mona.