We’re all back again at Southeastern for a new semester, and for some of us it is the first time. For incoming freshman, college life can appear to be big, scary and complicated; but don’t feel bad, any seasoned senior will explain it exactly so. While starting college can be overwhelming, it has its benefits, namely freedom. But like every good thing in life, it must be enjoyed sensibly.

While freedom is the greatest privilege and the defining aspect of American culture, it is the number one killer of grades. If not handled responsibly it can be a gateway to several problems like procrastination or just not doing what needs to be done. Congratulations on moving up in the world and becoming adults, freshmen (and some upperclassmen), but being in college isn’t just about having fun. Before beginning your college career, it’s important to recognize the importance of your education and the responsibility that comes with it.

Going to class when it is scheduled is an absolute must. Why bother paying thousands of dollars for classes you don’t go to? Skipping class is a waste of time and money and is also a gross squandering of the opportunities awarded to you as an American citizen in the 21st century.

Fifty years ago, the world saw the rise of the American Civil Rights Movement. During the movement, a major issue was allowing black Americans to participate in higher education. In a fashion reminiscent of today, dissatisfied and hopeful people, both black and white, took to the streets in protest.

These brave men and women  withstood police armed with guns, tear gas, batons, water cannons and attack dogs so that their children and grandchildren could receive the best education and enjoy the world’s greatest opportunities without the taint of racism. It seems a great disservice to these champions of freedom to discount higher education by not showing up for a class that you signed up for. What you do in the classroom has been fought for; many have even died for it. Remember this and know that your education is the most precious thing you possess and that once you have it, it can never be taken away.

Now that you’ve been grilled on the importance of going to class, let’s talk about homework and other assignments for a bit.

Again, freedom is the number one killer of grades. Often, students have so much going on with friends, family and work that they forget about papers, math homework and other projects. Something as easy as making a calendar or a schedule can remedy this. In the student handbook you received, the small green one with the big S and says “2011-2012 Student Handbook” on the front, there is such a calendar. You get this book for free every year, so why not use it? The book also contains the rules and regulations that every student must abide by and lists every department of the Division for Student Affairs, which, as the name implies, definitely concerns you. When you get 20 minutes of free time, give this one a good read-through.

Of course, college isn’t all work. When you plan your classes, it’s best to have some downtime in between them. Do the same when planning to do your homework and projects. This is the most important thing that you will plan for during a semester because without it, everything else will fall apart. What good is studying if you burn yourself out before a big test and forget everything? Schedule two hours a day to read a book, watch TV, play a video game, hang out with friends or whatever. Turning your brain off every once in a while can help relieve stress and retain important information.

Make sure you eat right too. Being sick in a dorm room is no fun and eating right will make you feel better overall. Also, that thing called the “Freshman 15” is very, very, very real and incredibly difficult to get rid of.

Now that you have been educated on how to be a college student, welcome (or welcome back) to Southeastern Louisiana University. Remember why you are here and remember who made your being here possible. Succeed in every endeavor, or keep trying until you do. Do your homework, go to class, study until your head hurts and, above all, learn.  Remember that you don’t have to succumb to the grind of eat, class, sleep and repeat day in and day out. Get involved on campus, socialize and make some friends that will last beyond your time on this campus. Good luck everyone and have a great semester.