Four Ways to Make the Most of Summer for a Successful Start to the School Year

Whether you’re just starting College in the Fall or have a year or two under your belt, I think we can all agree that summer is a time for some much needed , well deserved,  fun and relaxation! What’s especially great is when you   can come off of a fantastic summer and be ready to face the school year ( if not the early mornings that come with it) head on! The good news is there are four  easy steps you can take during the summer that will, in my opinion, help your September start strong. ( And they won’t even interfere that much with your beach time!)

1. Get Your House in Order-

Until I started College, I had no idea how much paperwork I had, that I needed but didn’t even think about.  While it can be easy to remember things like bedding if you’re a residential student or a parking pass if you’re a commuter, some of the more “administrative” details slipped my mind at first.

    Whether you’ll be living at school or at home, summer is a great time to make sure you have important paperwork such as immunization records, health insurance documentation, and any documentation related to your disability that you might want to share with your school in order ( or in my case have your parents tell you where to find it!) Your College should give you more information about any documentation/paperwork you might need but, this way you avoid scrambling to get everything in order come September!

2. Scope Out the Scene –

    If you are local, or can arrange another visit to your campus this summer, it might be helpful to do a “ test run” of your daily routine, ( go from your dorm, to classes, to the cafeteria  or explore the area around the school etc.). This way you can become more comfortable with your new surroundings and come up with a game plan for any obstacles along your route, if necessary.

    If a campus visit isn’t feasible this summer, no worries! Part of “ scoping things out” could be as easy, as connecting with fellow students through Facebook or email to get the inside scoop on what everyday life at your school is like. You can also look into different clubs or activities that the school offers so you can start to get ideas about how you want to be involved on campus come September.

3. Start Connecting with Resources

A  good support system is key to any student’s college success but, it’s especially helpful for students with disabilities. The good news is you can start putting one in place before you even set foot on campus. Check with your Disability Services Office to see if you can begin the process of registering for accommodations over the summer, or get information about how to start the process in September!

        Also, make sure to stay connected with people who have supported you in the past. They know you well and can give you great advice about how to move forward into the next stage. Make sure to touch base with doctor, especially, before you head to school. He or she can help you make sure you go into school on the healthiest possible note, and could also be an objective person to troubleshoot with about any concerns you may have.

4. Relax and Recharge

While it can be helpful to take care of all the things I mentioned above during the summer, it’s also important to spend plenty of time doing things that you enjoy, like traveling or hanging out poolside with family and friends. Happiness is a great confidence booster and that combined with a little preparation, is the perfect recipe for success in September!

Happy Independence Day: What’s Your “Road to Rio?”

 

 

Happy Fourth  of July  weekend everyone!  I hope you had a great holiday.  Yesterday,  I read a news article about Blake Leeper, a sprinter who is training to be the first American paralympian to compete in the Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Born without feet, ankles, and lower leg bones, Leeper has worn prosthetics since he was nine months old. He competed in last year’s Paralympics in London, winning a silver medal in the 400-meter race and a bronze medal in the 200-meter event. Now he has set his sights on competing at the Olympic level not just against others with physical disabilities but with the finest able-bodied athletes in the world. I thought his story was a fitting one for Independence Day, and also for all of us who will be heading not to the Olympics in a couple of years but to college in a few weeks. Here’s why:  

1.       College can be each of our “personal  Olympics.”The profile of Leeper explains that his initial interest in track and field was matched by uncertainty about which events to pursue and how training regimens worked.

College orientation can feel a bit the same way. As a new student, you know you’re in a place where you can pursue your dreams, but you might not know yet how the school “works” or how to make the most of it.  Blake’s example is a helpful one for these purposes.  Just as he has a few years to optimize his training for the Olympic games, you have four years to optimize your college experience and “ train” for whatever goals or career you want to pursue afterward. Blake took the initiative and contacted organizations that he knew could make his dreams of running come true. You can take charge and find the resources at your school, whether it’s the writing center or a favorite professor, that will help you make your dreams come true.

 

2.       We shouldn’t be afraid to set out on our own personal “Road to Rio.” Blake’s goal – to compete in the 2016 Olympics – is a daunting one, but it’s also a realistic one given his hard work and dedication. Whether you are just starting college or starting a new year or semester, don’t be afraid to set high goals for yourself. Everyone has dreams that may seem intimidating, like competing in the Olympic Games ,  but  when you always aim for the “ gold” you will propel yourself farther than you would with more modest aims.

 Set your standards high and success will follow. Blake had to compete, and do well, in many lesser races before he could consider the Olympics, but he didn’t lose sight of his ultimate goal. Smaller successes, like navigating your first midterm exam, pave the way for big ones, like a great overall GPA. More than anything, Blake’s story shows that with a mix of passion, dedication, and support, we all can pursue our dreams, and have some great experiences along the way!