Daniel R. Schwarz, an English professor at our university since 1968, spoke and shared about a topic relatable in all of our lives: how to succeed in college and beyond.

His book is a sort of guide book for students or parents of any age, containing parts on preparing for college, choosing the right one, the college experience, and even essentials like choosing classes, the Greek system, and more.

The part that especially stood out to me as I approach the end of my Sophomore year of college is chapter five: 19 Suggestions for College Sophomores. There is a lot of information beneath each point which I recommend for anyone interested, but to get a glimpse, here are SOME of Schwarz’ 19 suggestions. (not all 19 so that you are enticed to read it! 🙂

1. Sophomore year is a time to think about the future– whether it be employment or further education or a combination of both.
2. Think of your career plans or even your choice of major not in terms of future earnings but in terms of future satisfaction.
3. If you are in the wrong program, think about changing it rather than investing even more time and energy into that program.
4. If  possible, take at least one course far afield from your prospective major with the goal of expanding your interests.
5. Make an effort to know your professors, in part to cultivate potential references,  but also to take advantage of being around interesting minds.
6. Take classes from the BEST professors, who may also be the most demanding and not the easiest graders.
7. Look for professors who are interested in students as people and want to know about you progress in college and your future plans.
8. Stay physically fit; if you are not fit, make that a high priority by choosing some physically demanding activities.
9. Use the campus cultural resources: theater, music, arts, and museums.