New Year resolutions every student should make

It is a new year, a time of the year that gives an
opportunity to start afresh and set reality goals to look
forward to. Do you make New Year resolutions? Here are
some more you could include on the list.
Don't forget to be a student
Many students often forget the fact that they are
students and quickly turn their backs on their primary
responsibilities of facing their studies and making good
grades. This is a habit that should be dropped this year.
Also ironically, others get so engrossed in their studies
that they forget that they are actually students.
What do I mean? Although your studies should be your
priority, the university gives an experience like any
other; it gives you the opportunity to discover yourself.
Do something different; you could volunteer, it not only
helps you grow as a person, but also looks great on a
resume.
Party and hang out with friends that will motivate you.
Enjoy life. The trick is maintaining moderation and not
overdoing it. Try to balance both sides.
Attend seminars
Lately, I have observed that students who are more
exposed to seminars have a sense of leadership and
positivity. Attending seminars gives you the opportunity
to relate with people who are more experienced in
different career fields. Also, references to impactful
outings speak well on a resume.
Join a campus social club
The university also gives a chance to meet new people
and get involved in all kinds of activities and clubs.
There are different types of social clubs that you could
join. There are the faith-based clubs and associations
that serve in the interest of students who belong to their
faith groups. There are also the home-based societies,
which serve to protect the interests of their members.
The social or cultural clubs are on campuses; they are
those that promote the cultural heritage of the society.
The philanthropic clubs are those aimed at rendering
selfless services to the community and instilling
discipline in their members.
Members of these clubs often have a sense of security,
having a family within the campus to rely on if need be.
Then active members, especially in philanthropic clubs,
after graduating, often get automatic employments from
the sponsors the clubs are affiliated with.
You can read more on Campusbeats' edition of July 17,
2014, on Campus social clubs and what you need to
know.
Grades matter; it is your degree after all
Remember it would be a waste of four or more years if
you did beyond what you could have done. For any
student, grades matter, therefore, taking steps that can
improve your grades must be on top of your list. Focus
on your weak points and work on areas to improve upon
them. Join a tutorial and look for ways to improve your
academics.
Stop skipping lectures; it doesn't help. The next time
you want to skip another lecture, ask yourself if what
you want to do instead is more important. Also, stop
procrastinating. Highlight things that get your attention
rather than your academics and spend less time doing
them.
Take time to vote
Yes, the general elections come up this year, and your
vote counts. As long as you are eligible to vote, vote!
Your vote counts and you are in a position to decide
who you want to lead you. You can't complain if you
don't vote. Larry Sabato said: "Every election is
determined by the people who show up."
It is your role to effect the change you long for by voting
for the person you want. Also avoid being used as a
political thug; do not allow yourself to be lured into
political violence or enticed with money into doing what
is wrong during the election period.
Learn an entrepreneurial skill
The labour market now goes beyond your certificates.
Learn a new skill! Nothing beats being an employer of
labour. Look for what interests you besides academics
and have a keen interest in it.
Also, learn how to effectively use the social media; be
tech-savvy, as the world is now a global market. There
are lots of ways you could make money legally online.
So, instead of staying online all day tweeting, pinging,
Facebooking, and so on, learn how the time you spend
online could make money for you.


Courtesy: tribune.com.ng
Broadcast by Calistus David