Georgia Magazine - January 2015 - 30

AFTON LANDRAM

I would encourage every incoming freshman to take advantage of
opportunities that come their way.
Don't be afraid to try new things.
College is a new experience for
everyone; there is no wrong or right
way to do college. Break out of your
shell and try new things like a club
or sport, getting involved with student government or getting plugged
in with a campus ministry.
As a freshman, I learned a lot
about being more outgoing and
stretching myself beyond my limits.
At the beginning of my college career, I was an introvert. I didn't like
being in places with a lot of people
and would have been perfectly content with staying in my dorm room
watching Netflix. However, once I
got involved with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM), so many doors
of opportunity opened for me. I was
connected with people who had the
same interests and major as I did,
and we were able to study together
and encourage each other through
hard weeks of classes.
Now I am in a leadership position at the BCM and more outgoing
and personable as a result. Getting
involved in an organization was

the best thing I did as a freshman.
Whether you are interested in a
Christian organization, a Greek life
social or academic club, music, an
engineering club, sports or leadership, there will always be a place
to get plugged in. Not only will you
get more out of your college experience, but you will also grow as an
individual.
Kara Meng, of Thomasville
(Grady EMC), attends classes at
Georgia Southern University in
Statesboro.
Afton Landram, University of Georgia

Get involved and be
prepared
The day you have been preparing for the last four years is finally
here. I know you are nervous, but
excited for this next chapter in your
life. As a former freshman and current resident assistant in a freshmen
dorm, I wish to offer some advice.
First, do not overpack. Take the
things you know you will use and
need. You may think you will have
room to put everything, but once
you have a roommate and all their
stuff, things get crammed. (Bring
containers to slide under your bed
for extra storage.)

COURTESY KARA MENG

Don't be afraid to try
new things!

Kara Meng, Georgia Southern University

Samantha Dixon, Oglethorpe University

people, even if you don't end up
being Greek.
Don't forget to have fun and
enjoy yourself in school!
Samantha Dixon, of Fortson
(Diverse Power), attends Oglethorpe
University in Atlanta.
More online at www.georgiamagazine.org

ROBERT FINDLEY

Studying always comes first!
Take a study skills class to learn what
techniques best fit you for studying. I
didn't know how to study until I got
to college because I never needed to
in high school. Well, you definitely
need to know what you're doing
and how you're going to accomplish
a goal when studying for college
courses.
When it comes to getting involved on campus, try to start small.
You don't want to overwhelm yourself with classes and then extracurricular activities that take up so much
time you feel like you don't have
time for anything. Be a part of something you're interested in. If your
campus has Greek life, go through
recruitment! It's a great way to meet

ROBERT SMITH

Studying comes first

Lowry Hall Weltner Library at Oglethorpe
University, Atlanta
GEORGIA MAGAZINE

http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Georgia Magazine - January 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - January 2015