College Advice – This Pretty Much Sums It Up

My husband Paul and I are the proud parents of a young woman who recently graduated from the University of Georgia. She designed the top of her graduation cap around the French proverb – “Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.” It moves me to know that this is her philosophical takeaway from the last four years as a college student; and that it is the basis for how she will handle the transition from a life she grew comfortable in to a life that she will make for herself starting anew.

I wanted to share our daughter’s insight with the hopes that it will be seen by, and have a positive influence on, someone who is getting ready to start college as a freshman, or even returning as an upperclassman. I cannot think of a better philosophy for a college student to adopt and develop, as it may prove to serve him or her well in life after college.

College Advice from Jeff Beals, former dean of student affairs at a private college.

There is also quite a bit of college advice out there. Here is one article with good college advice currently circulating throughout social media that is written by Jeff Beals, entitled “Is Someone You Love Going to College? Their Success Depends on Three Words” The three words Mr. Beals is referring to are: “Responsibility. Authority. Accountability.”

He says: “In order to succeed, each individual must take total responsibility for his or her own life. You must graciously accept credit when it is due, and more importantly, you must be the first to stand up and take the blame when you have made a mistake.”

He then sums it up with what I think to be one of the most important points he makes in the article, “While responsibility, authority and accountability come with a burden, they are also liberating. Success begins and ends with you. People who abide by these three words enjoy more success and lead richer lives.”

Mr. Beals has further college advice for college students all of which is summed up below, and you can read here:

• Go all in – become immersed in the experience.
• Be active, go out and make things happen.
• Get involved outside of the classroom.
• Use time management habits to find the balance between studying and having fun.

We congratulate anyone making the decision to further his or her education, and wish them all the best! And, also remember . . . Feed Your Good Dog so your good dog always wins!