Practical Advice for College Students

One of the greatest and truest ironies of life is that only after a long and arduous journey are we able to turn around and see how we may have avoided the trips and tumbles and crooked byways to our destination. We are also able to see things we never knew were there: straighter paths, opportunities hiding in the bushes and shortcuts waiting for us if we had just explored a little deeper. 

While these new insights may conjure pangs of regret, our experiences can always be used to light the way for others. In this manner I hope to share with you three lessons I wish I’d learned in school now that I am a few months from college graduation. 

The Power of Connections
There’s an old saying about the power of connections: “it’s not what you know but who you know.” This may be an exaggeration, but the power of connections cannot be downplayed. The people you know cushion your life in a myriad of ways. They may snag you to a great job at their company, put in a good word to an attractive friend, give advice or even a couch to sleep on in desperate times. The bottom line is that the people you know are precious resources. The more people on your side, the greater the pool of your support. 

Of course those with an individualist spirit and can-do attitude can rise to the top by their own sweat and blood, but knowing people and having support makes everything you do a lot easier. Why climb up when you can use the elevator? This does not imply you should use people in anticipation of reward. Exploitation of others is a very poor way to live life, and in the end will leave you with more enemies then friends. 

My advice is to simply recognize the gift friends can be in all areas of life, especially in times of need. It is always a good practice to build strong and caring relationships in your life and to get to know a wide variety of people. Each and every person has something to share with you, and the more diverse people you know, the more vibrant your life will be.