---

by Emily Wistar

It €™s that time of year again!  Whether you €™re starting college for the first time, coming back for your second or third year, or changing careers altogether, you can never be too prepared. Here are a few tips I have come up with to help make the coming year as successful and enjoyable as possible.

1. Get Organized

One great thing about Walnut Hill College is that the classes are so diverse which comes with a diverse set of tools. Make sure you keep your kitchen tools clean and organized so you are able to keep up with class work. It is easy to just toss things back into your backpack at the end of a long, hot, kitchen class, but I highly recommend keeping everything in its place mise-en-place!). Try to invest in a utility bag, which can be easily found at any hardware store that has several compartments and pouches to keep your tools right where you need them. If you €™re a commuter like me, keep your car stocked with an extra uniform, pens, notebooks, etc. You never know what you may forget at home.

2. Read your Course Success Guide

It may look a bit wordy, but it really is there to aid in your, you guessed it, success. You will find important dates and assignments neatly outlined, as well as resources for additional information and grading requirements. Have it handy to stay on top of upcoming assignments and keep yourself organized.

3. Know What Your Professors Expect of You

Get to know them! We are lucky be able to attend a college that is so much like a family €¦You €™re not just a face in the crowd. The Professors and Chefs at Walnut Hill College really do care about your continued growth and want you to get the most out of your stay here. I €™m not saying to become a teacher €™s pet, but that you take the time to get to know them. Figuring out what is expected of you and doing your best to achieve it will help start your year off smoothly.

4. Get Involved!

There is so much to be a part of here at Walnut Hill College. Almost every day there is some kind of fun event or club meeting to attend. Not only will you rack up those essential Student Life and Learning points, but you have the opportunity to learn something outside of your major, and connect with your fellow students. If you can €™t find a club you €™d like to join, talk to a Professor about starting your own! Take advantage of all there is to do here, inside and outside of the classroom.

5. Connect with Career Services

We €™re all attending college to do what? Get a good job! Well lucky for us, we have an amazing Career Services Department that is ready and able to help you land that dream interview. It €™s never too early to start thinking of where you want to be when you graduate (trust me, it goes by SO much faster than you €™d think) and Career Services is there to help you every step of the way.

6. Fight Procrastination

As difficult as it can be, don €™t save that presentation or research paper until the last minute. You €™ll feel so much better being prepared. Get a planner or make a chart to help you meet your goals. Projects will seem much less stressful if you work on them a little at a time.

7. Schedule Time for Yourself

Between being a full-time student, work, family, friends, and the hundreds of other roles you play day to day, don €™t forget to give yourself some down time.

I hope you find some of these tips useful and enjoy the time you have here at Walnut Hill College! Make the most of your experiences, get outside of your comfort zone, and take advantage of all the great opportunities in store for you. Check out our Student Life page for information on clubs and exciting student activities on campus!

Emily Wistar, Student Leader

B.S. in Pastry Arts Candidate, Class of March 2017

€œA person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. €  – Albert Einstein

---