Seniors give tips about making the most of college

By Sarah McDonough
Cardinal Staff

The graduating seniors of the Class of 2009 have gone through many experiences in which they have learned more about themselves and the world around them in their years at Saint Mary’s University. Here they give a little insight and advice on the DOs and DON’Ts of college:

Internships
“Utilize the Internship Office! When meeting with them, be clear with what you want to get out of the internship, and don’t settle for less. It can be intimidating communicating to a company (inquiring about an internship), but just remember you’re providing a service for them.”
- Rob Brewer

Read more...

Extra-curricular activities
“When freshmen first get here, it’s ‘Oh my gosh, college!’ which can be stressful just focusing on class work, projects and tests, but it’s good finding other ways of relieving stress. Talk to friends and see what they are getting involved in. Go to the club fair at the beginning of the school year and see what’s out there. You don’t have to be involved with a lot. You can meet a lot of cool people with similar interests as you.”
- Emily Laurent

Friendships/Relationships
“Try to focus on yourself. Focus on what you want to be and what you want to do, and try not to waste your time on petty drama that comes with going to a small school. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Being in a relationship can be a distraction and sometimes become the person’s main focus instead of school work. But there are benefits to relationships, too. In a relationship you have someone you can lean on, depend on and be your best friend.”
- Margaret Walsh

Class work
“Make sure you go to class. I know it’s tempting (to skip) some classes, but usually you end up slipping. The fewer classes I went to, the harder it was to catch up, and that’s a rough game to play.”
- Gerry Lentino