Advice to College Students: From a Graduating Senior

By Ally Bolender
News Content Manager

As I reflect on my last week as a college student, I’m happy with the way that I’ve done these last few years.

The years I spent at Texas State have been the best years of my life and while everyone’s experience is different, I hope I can offer some pointers as to what I wish I would’ve done more of and what I did that made my experience memorable.

Make an effort to get to know your professors

Becoming close with the professors that you value has many benefits professionally speaking: someone to write you a rec letter, be your reference or edit your resume…

But, coming to their office hours and having meaningful conversations about their work is a huge benefit to your experience as well.

You get an opportunity to learn about the ins-and-outs of the industry and career field. You can hear the stories of how they got where they are. Professors can offer a multitude of advice to you.

I’m so grateful I’ve gotten so close to mine!

Some of those all-nighters actually weren’t worth it

I will admit, there were times I wish I went out with my friends instead of studying. I’m not saying to ditch your responsibilities for the bars, but you should at least weigh all your options. There were times I would’ve ended up with a night full of memories and a solid B test score too.

Just choose wisely.

Call your mom and dad more

As a graduate, I realized my next step is a career. That means 9-5. No more midday naps or 2 a.m. Whataburger runs, but that also means I can’t visit my parents as much as I have the last few years, and that makes me sad.

So, call and visit your family more. Because after college, it’ll get even busier.

Enjoy local businesses—They’re special to your college town!

I have realized that I am going to miss San Marcos so much! The unique shops, local bars and restaurants and events…

Spend more time walking around the Square on a pretty day or take more river trips. You’ll be glad that you did.

Take advantage of your meal swipes

This one’s a given. I miss them.

Your experience doesn’t have to be like the movies

There is a misconception that if you aren’t partying every night and making crazy memories, then you’re doing college wrong. I think falling into this misconception makes a lot of people feel as though their experience wasn’t as great as it should’ve been.

Once you realize that college is about your experiences, memories and the friends you take on to your next step, you will feel so much happier.

It goes by fast, take every opportunity!

Talk to more people in a class, go out with a friend you don’t know that well, go to your friend’s party—even if you won’t know that many people!

Take advantage of these opportunities or spur of the moment ideas because they end up being the greatest memories.

Don’t take it for granted.

It’s a bittersweet feeling of leaving college. I wish I could start all over again, But, I can’t, so I’m here to tell you to not take it for granted.

I wish you the best experience, Bobcats!

Featured image by Ally Bolender.