What I learned today from UGA alumni

Academics - Follow my heart, study hard, network, think ahead.

• GPA is really important.
• Make sure my teachers know me.
• Pick a passion and excel at it.
• Take classes that truly interest me.
• Be actively intellectually curious.
• Focus, especially in freshman year.
• Stick to my major, but remember that it's much easier to change my mind here than after I've begun my career.
• Listen to what I want out of life.
• Learning is something that will be a part of me for a lifetime, not just a way to make grades.
• Study from the end of last class to dinner.
• Study for GRE early if I'm looking toward graduate school.
• During breaks, ask people in my field to tell me about their careers -- ask questions, listen, follow them around.

Extracurricular - Take all opportunities.

• Get involved in things that have to do with my studies and/or help my soul grow. Do it because they have meaning for me and are rewarding in themselves, not because of external benefits. Really dedicate time to them.
• Expose myself to diversity -- Take full advantage of UGA's size. International Coffee Hour.
• Try being a leader because in some ways, it's easier than being a follower -- college is perfect for gaining leadership experience I can relate to throughout life.
• Spend a summer outside of Georgia.
• Give back to my community.
• Co-op/intern/work -- nobody wants to be my first employer after college.
• Conduct informational interviews with employers.
• Habitually check out UGA's master calendar.

Personal - Explore, be cautious of whom I befriend closely.

• Don't hook up with the first person I kind of like.
• Go to performances/exhibits/games.
• iPods are for exercise and playing in the car, not for walking around campus.
• Physically explore UGA and Athens.
• Choose close friends wisely.
• Take lots of pictures and videos.
• Meet new people in all situations.
• Be myself -- never sacrifice my values to be with any group.

Miscellaneous

• Save my money for the big, big things.
• Be careful what I put up on the Internet.

General - Enjoy every second, always remember what I'm for, stretch myself, have heart.

• Influence.
• Enjoy every moment; what a luxury it is to simply be asked to learn about the world, about myself, and about life. I have the freedoms without the responsibilities of adult life.
• Think long-term when making decisions.
• When you assume something, you make an ASS of U and ME.
• Study hard, play hard.
• Set goals I can accomplish one day at a time.
• Remember who I am, what I stand for, and why I'm attending UGA -- remember why I'm at UGA.
• Do things that I would never do (all within my moral limits) -- don't be afraid of new things.
• Early is on time, on time is already late, and late is unacceptable.
• Develop creativity -- "Is there a different way to do this?" "Can I try something completely different to solve this problem?"
• Take every opportunity, even if it seems trivial/useless at the time.
• Keep graduation day in my mind -- what kind of emotions do I want to feel that day?
• Adventurous spirit, sincere enthusiasm, courage to pursue my passion, genuine kindness.
• Planning + Decisive action => Dreams.

Wow, I think I've had enough advice to last me a couple of years.