1.    Get involved. Yesterday I got to parade around campus in a golf cart. A local version of “Cash Cab” was the idea and we gave away candy to our riders (Dum Dum suckers for wrong responses and Smarties for correct answers). I also sat in a dunk tank in 55 degree weather. Not the most ideal situation, but I can say I did it. When or where else would you ever be able to do such activities (unless you join the circus)?

Picking the brain of an expert in your field can help you learn more outside the class than inside. We have small classes and the professors here are amazing, so take advantage.

I enrolled in the honors program (and will now receive an honors medallion for successful completion) and took honors Geology. My friends thought I was nuts, and I nearly cracked when saw a 49 percent written on my first exam. Adversity motivates you and tests your strength. I bounced back with a 94 percent on the second exam and resurrected my pitiful beginning to earn a B in the class.

This is the most crucial step you can take in achieving your goals. If you don’t make a conscious effort to do this, you’ll fall flat and the environment will dictate your path as you lose control. College is so much more about habits than it is about intelligence (although smarts will make things much easier).

Complain all you want, but if you actually want your voice to be heard, join OSA. They practically beg people to join, yet they offer handsomely paid positions and have a direct and penetrating impact on University policy.

Specifically, I would have pursued a few Radio/TV/Film and creative writing classes. But, I chose to be efficient and seal the deal in four years.

I just could not afford it and didn’t want to take out more loans. Although I know a lot of people who said it was the best experience of their life.

Countdown to commencement: 7 days

Number of classes left: 4

Number of exams left: 2