Discus Awards

Patti See is a Senior Student Services Coordinator and teaches developmental education and women's studies courses at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. To learn more about Patti, visit her About the Author page.

1. Don't be afraid to tell people what you think. Be straight forward with your professors, classmates, friends, and family. Relationships can be confusing enough, especially without people saying what they really mean.

2. Listen more than you talk. Everyone loves a good listener, and you’ll do better academically, personally, and professionally.

3. Say hello to one new person every day—and really mean it. Most people will respond positively to a friendly smile and a hello.

4. Do at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day. It will reduce stress and keep you fit.

5. Watch what you put into your body. Junk in means you'll feel like junk.

6. Find ways to relax—Guitar Hero, Facebook, vegging in front of the TV or computer, hanging out with friends—anything to calm yourself down. The only thing you absolutely have control over is yourself and how you react to situations. Don’t worry about the rest.

7. If you're feeling bad, talk to someone. Develop a support system at school with your RA, your hall director, your advisor, and friends. If things are scary or difficult, call your mom and dad. They'll listen and give advice if you want it, but most of all give you someone to vent to. Talking can be a cure.

8. Vote. School elections, local elections, national elections. If you vote, you have a say in how things are run. Exercise your rights, and then you can bitch about the way things are done.

9. Read at least one newspaper a day. Be informed about what’s going on at school, in town, and in the world.

10. Try something new. Maybe you’ll hate the jazz concert or bungee jumping or the art show or hiking along the Mississippi. But what if you love it? Trying new stuff is all part of your college experience.

Filed under: Patti See • College Prep