By: Gardner "Spud" Reynolds
College Success Program Chair
ESOL Instructor
South Texas College

As a college instructor, I know that for first-time students, attending college is an exciting, but some times a nerve-racking experience, but it shouldn't be. I remember my time in college with great fondness and I believe every student has the ability to go to college and make it a great experience. This should a wonderful time in your life to expand your mind and skills, opening new doors to a better and brighter future. There are just a few things you should keep in mind and a few things you can do to ease the process for yourself or, if you are a parent, for your child as well.

First, do not underestimate your own abilities! If you have graduated high school or earned your GED, you have mastered the concepts needed to prepare you for higher education and the exciting opportunities that college offers. Please don't assume that you aren't smart enough to go to college or speak up in your classes. There are entry-level courses in every subject that ease you into subjects and let you test out different paths to see what is right for you. This is especially important information for those of you have been out of high school for a while and feel a little bit "rusty." Every college offers courses and support systems to help you learn important skills that you need to succeed.

Second, look at your financial aid options early. This is of the utmost importance. There are a variety of state and federal financial aid options that make college affordable for everyone, but you must fill out some paperwork to be considered. Also, funds are distributed not only based on need, but it's a first-come, first-serve system. The later you wait to apply, the more limited the options become. I tell every student I teach to apply for financial aid in March for the next fall, spring and summer semesters. The paperwork gets done and out of your hair and you get the best financial aid options available. Also, if you qualify for certain types of financial aid based on income, and many students do, you may be given the opportunity to get a free education! Federal and state government grants make this a reality. I better you never thought about going to college for free!!

Third, submit an application for acceptance to your college of choice and register for classes as soon as you can. Some colleges have very firm deadlines and others are more lenient, but as a general rule, you should select and register for classes as soon as the new schedule is issued. This ensures that you not only get the classes you need, but you get the schedule that best meshes with the demands of your life! I some times see my students procrastinate because it's easier to go to a movie on a Friday afternoon than register, but that movie might just cost them a class they desperately need to graduate the following year. It's important to know that at a college, not every course if offered every semester or at the same time every semester. Also, courses are limited to a specific number of students and popular courses fill up quickly.

Fourth, go to orientation! I can not stress how important this is to academic success. I don't care whether you are trying college out with one course or intending to go full time. Orientation can make or break you. Now why is this so urgent? Orientation is your opportunity to learn about the support systems at your college, including degree plans, counseling and advising options, child care, tutoring, student worker opportunities, scholarships, library services, available computer labs and much, much more. This is also your chance to ask questions about anything that you might not yet understand. While you may think, oh I can ask that question later, that won't help you if its midnight before a paper is due and you don't know how to get help with printing it out! Just block out the two hours on your schedule as a major priority and I promise you won't regret the decision to participate.

My fifth and final piece of advice is once you have made the decision to attend college, understand that this is a serious and important endeavor. If you have just graduated from high school, you will find that college is somewhat different. You will have much more freedom, but with that freedom come responsibility for your future. Attend class, participate, do your assigned homework and study. Do not waste this opportunity! Your future depends on it!!

You now have the opportunity to get an excellent, quality education at a variety of colleges in the Valley, including South Texas College, where I teach College Success and English. STC is a two-year school offering a wide choice of more than 90 degrees and certificates options. We also offer a four-year degree in applied technology in technology management. STC's mission is to give our students the opportunity and the training to succeed both in college and in life. Remember though, success will not just fall in your lap. You have to rouse yourself and go out after it! Right now!! The sooner the better!!!

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