Enjoy these four years on campus; it goes by fast
This is the opinion of Kelly Giebel, CSB '11
**What do you wish you would have done differently with your time here as a CSB+SJU student?**
When reflecting on what I might have done differently while at CSB+SJU, one of the first things that comes to mind is keeping my mindset present and focused on what I enjoyed and wanted to learn about rather than always anticipating what was coming next. I think it is universally common as a college student to always have what comes after college in the back of your mind. Questions like, “What kind of job can I get with my major?” “I need to get in to graduate school right after, what if I’m not ready?” and “How am I going to afford paying my loans off with a psychology major?” are ones I know ran through my head constantly while a student. Thinking back now, I realize that putting that pressure on myself added an immense amount of stress and at times took away some of the joy and fun that time in my life should have contained.
Yes, a part of being a college student is how much you learn not only in the classroom but also about how to function as an adult and take on responsibilities heading your way after graduation. That said, I wish I hadn’t waited until the middle of my junior year to switch gears and major in a subject that I enjoyed learning about, rather than taking the first two and a half years of my college life torturing myself by majoring in something that I thought (and constantly heard) would get me a job or into graduate school right away.
If I could give one piece of advice to current Bennies and Johnnies, it’s something I wish I would have gotten early on: Focus on being just that, a student. Try not to worry so much about what comes next or the pressures that you will inevitably get from family, friends and acquaintances—everything will indeed fall into place. The skills you learn as a CSB+SJU student will prepare you for whatever path you take once your time there comes to an end. There is no ‘right’ way to be a college student and no straight path to take. Staying present in your time at such a special place is truly something that I think will not only make for an incredible experience, but a healthy mindset and a tool for success once the time comes to leave.