Going to college is an amazing opportunity to set the trajectory of your personal and professional life.  It’s also an amazing time that will expose students to so many incredible opportunities.  When you go to college, think of it as a trip to the grocery story.  For example, what you buy is a lot like what is expected of you in college.  Think of it this way.

• The staples like milk, butter, eggs, and bread are like ALL of the classes you will take while your in college.  In other words, they are the basis for so many things you will build upon (or bake) in your life.
• Everything else you buy at the grocery store is what you want to eat in the future.  So if you what to have a party, you buy chips, dips, drinks, and deserts.  That way, you have a great party.  Therefore, if you want to have a great career you want to make sure that in addition to the staples (your classes), you do a lot of other things like volunteering, student clubs, research, sports, professional associations, and internships.  That way, when you look for a job after college, you aren’t going with the basic job, but instead are going to qualify for a job that is like the party!

Bottom line, staples are essential but it’s all the other things you will do that will enrich your life, personally and professionally.

Steven J. Harvey, Ph.D.
CEO & Founder, My College Max, Web Site: www.mycollegemax.com
Executive Director, The WNY Consortium of Higher Education, Web Site: www.wnycollegeconnection.com