College Advice – Guidance from The Atlantic

To maximize your enjoyment of life, always drink two fewer drinks than you initially desire. By staying alert and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, you can savor those wild and unforgettable moments. Mastering the art of getting just-the-right-amount drunk will ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Make a point to connect with your college professors. Despite their intimidation or busy schedules, most undergraduates fail to take advantage of office hours. By engaging in discussions and building relationships, you not only enhance your education but also create potential opportunities for recommendations or job prospects. As a professor myself, I can attest to the value of such interactions, which often occur outside the classroom.

Develop the skill of speed reading for substance, allowing you to absorb important information efficiently.

Don’t overlook the nice boys. While it may be tempting to gravitate towards narcissistic or damaged individuals, romanticizing suffering can lead to unnecessary pain and distractions. Take notice of the genuinely kind boys who enter your life. Additionally, men who possess cooking skills often display other positive qualities. Conversely, steer clear of angry men, as anger does not equate to passion.

Learn to drive at a reasonable time, avoiding waiting until you realize the fragility of life. By becoming a natural driver before this realization, you ensure a smoother transition to confident driving skills.

Keep a notebook to capture important quotes that resonate with you. This practice will bring you joy when you need to recall these quotes. Without it, you may find yourself unable to remember them, leading to a sense of frustration and a diminished quality of life.

Embrace the act of writing in books, allowing you to engage deeply with the content and leave a personal mark on your reading materials.

Start contemplating the importance of independence. Even if you are married, deeply in love, or cohabiting with someone, maintaining your own financial independence provides freedom and security. It not only allows you the option to leave if necessary but also fosters a healthier and more balanced relationship.

Pay greater attention to the splendor of nature and beauty. While your inner dramas may seem captivating, the light filtering through trees or the mesmerizing colors of a dawn sky possess a captivating allure that surpasses your personal experiences.

Fully appreciate the luxury of being in school. Even during stressful exam periods or all-nighter paper writing sessions, take a moment to acknowledge the unique privilege of friends, shared meals, discussions, and the expansive educational environment. Later in life, these memories will acquire a magical quality. Attempt to grasp and relish this transitory pleasure and the splendid artificiality of the college experience.

Discover a space within a library where you feel a sense of elevated purpose and motivation in your work.

Preserve meaningful letters and important emails by printing them out. This ensures their availability when needed and safeguards against the loss of impactful memories.

Don’t hesitate to request higher compensation for a job you deserve. Although politeness and respect for authority may have been emphasized, defy this notion and advocate for what you rightfully deserve – ignore my previous teachings in this regard!

In all professional emails, include a descriptive subject line. This practice enables easy retrieval and organization of emails in the future.

Avoid using parentheses excessively in your writing. Only employ them when they serve a specific stylistic purpose, such as humor or emphasis, instead of relying on them as a lazy means of conveying information within a single sentence.

Remember to prioritize sleep. It may be tempting to forego rest due to the abundance of people, thoughts, readings, and parties, but maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is vital. Eventually, you will experience a moment of peace and tranquility, realizing the benefits of a full eight hours of sleep.