Dan Schwarz, an English Professor at Cornell and author of Endtimes? Crises and Turmoil at the New York Times, gave an insightful talk about the undergraduate experience and how we can maximize our use of the resources, opportunities and time in college. Appropriately balancing learning, job preparation and interacting with people and the world around us will allow us to become capable individuals as we progress through life. Schwarz talked about important things to keep in mind when going through each of the four years at college, even though the Freshman portion is no longer applicable.

When it comes to college, one is typically forced to carve their own path, particularly more so than during High school. However, the points made by Schwarz and the advice he gives should be essential knowledge to all college students. One of the main points he makes is being proactive and finding opportunities that interest you or benefit you in the long run, career-wise or as a life skill. It may seem intimidating to reach out to people who essentially are strangers, and it was for me the first few weeks at Cornell because of how big the campus is, but everyone is here to help you. What you make of your experience at Cornell will define you later in life. So go out and make new friends in clubs or subjects that never interested you before. Talk to professors and get to know them on a personal level. Nobody is going to bite your head off. Everyone is likely to be understanding or in the same position you are in. Take classes in Economics even if you are bad in math because understanding how the economy works is essential skill that everyone needs in order to function in society. Oh and make sure you sleep.

What will you be doing different?