Fourth Estate/Billy Ferguson

Getting a strong start to the new semester

BY AHMED FARID, STAFF WRITER

If you are reading this, then that means we have officially started the new semester. If this is your first year at Mason, welcome. And if, like me, you are a returning Patriot, then welcome back. 

As we say goodbye to summer vacation and welcome the new semester, here are some tips you need to remember that will help you make the best of the upcoming semester. 

First, remember that with every new semester comes a fresh start, no matter what happened the previous semester. Maybe your grades were not as good as you wanted them to be, or you had problems with your friends. Maybe you simply did not accomplish the goals you previously set for yourself. Whatever it was, it is irrelevant now. 

This semester, you will start new classes with new professors, and you will meet new people. If you are willing to make the effort, this can be your chance to start over and achieve what you want to achieve.

Second, you should go in with an idea of what you want to do. Mason has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, many do not take advantage of the tools provided here because they are unaware of such tools exist. Give the university’s schedule a look this year and plan accordingly for events you want to attend. 

You might even discover something interesting that you were unaware of at Mason. You should go in with an idea of the clubs you want to join or the events you want to attend will ensure you do not end up missing out on anything this semester. 

This leads to the third point — you need to get organized. Before you know it, you will be given your first reading, handing in your first assignment and taking your first exam. Five minutes later, you will start hearing people talking about their finals and the semester will be over before you know it. 

College is a fast-paced environment that can be stressful, particularly if you’re working part-time, which is why it is crucial that you get organized before you end up playing catch-up for the rest of the semester. 

It also wouldn’t hurt if you start this semester with a list of goals you want to accomplish. Consider it your early New Year’s resolutions. Set a target for yourself — make sure it’s realistic — and put  time aside for yourself to reach this target. 

Finally, remember this: college is not simply about attending classes and getting good grades. The people you meet and the events you will experience will teach you new skills and open your mind to different ideas.

But perhaps more importantly, the friendships you make during your time here at Mason will be the ones that stay with you for the rest of your life.

So make sure that this semester, and for the rest of your time at Mason, you stick around after class and do not submit to the usual routine. Meet a few people and join a few clubs and I guarantee you will make the best of your time at Mason.