1. Higher ed is not K-12. Expect things to be different.
2. Your professors are not here to entertain you. Your professors are not here to motivate you. Sometimes they will be entertaining or motivating, and when they are, consider that a “plus.” Nevertheless, assume you’ve signed up to work. There can be joy in the work — please do your best to find it. But don’t expect learning to stop being work.
3. There are two parts to education: Teaching and learning. Your professor’s job is to teach. Yours is to learn. Focus on what you have control over–whether you’re doing everything you can to learn.
4. Do the assigned readings. Highlight and take notes. Memorize what seems important.
5. Take notes in class. By hand and on paper is probably best. If you have to use a device, then use it, but use it for what you’re doing in class, don’t let it divert your attention to something else. Paper is safer in that regard.
6. Review your notes periodically. Set up a schedule to do so. Don’t wait for inspiration.
7. Keep things in perspective: Get your money’s worth from your education. Stay aware of the fact that you’ll have only four years of expensive leisure to concentrate on learning, to be followed by another 50 years or more when you’ll be lucky to find the time to learn even if you want to.
8. Devices are powerful tools that, like fire, are both essential and dangerous. Apple founder Steve Jobs didn’t let his kids use the iPhone, the iPad, or any product their dad invented. Bill Gates didn’t allow his children to have phones until they were 14 and limited their use then. Why did they do this? Because they loved their children and wanted what was best for them. Use your devices, by all means, but make sure they’re not using you. Get control of them. If you can’t stop scrolling, talk to other students who have it under control. Ask them how they did it. You can even email me and ask for prayer. I’ll pray for you.
9. Understand that the world doesn’t love you and is not committed to ensuring your success, prosperity, or even survival. You need to look out for yourself.
10. Understand that your friends might love you, but they don’t always know what is best for you, and aren’t always committed to seeing you achieve it. They’re fallible, just like everyone. Sometimes they’re selfish, like all of us. Expect it. You need to put time into your relationships, but they don’t have to be the top priority at all times. Don’t be afraid to tell them “no.” If they’re really your friends, they’ll understand.
11. As best you can, compartmentalize. There will be challenges, hardships and tragedies in life. Disappointments. Break-ups. Deaths in the family. Sometimes–in rare cases–these will be insurmountable, I know. But try to make it as hard as possible for them to derail you. Your failing at college/university will not make anything better. Focus on what you have control over.
12. A large part of becoming educated is learning to take charge of your education and assume responsibility for it. It’s your education. Care about it; do everything you can to do well. You’ll be glad you did. The world, your country, and the church need people who are innocent as doves, but also wise as serpents. College is a chance to develop some wisdom.