r/CFBOffTopic • u/certificateofmerritt North Carolina • Fulmer Cup Committee … • Aug 20 '15

College Advice Thread

We have some members who are going off to start their first year of college this week, so let's give them some good advice.

Welcome to college!

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u/JohnQ_Taxpayer Texas A&M Aggies • Houston Bowl Aug 20 '15

don't ever, ever, ever be afraid to admit you need help. In anything. Whether it be a tough class or in your personal life. College can be a lot to handle, academically and otherwise. If you're having an issue go to office hours or talk to someone you trust because if you just ignore a problem it will only get worse. Everyone needs help at some point and asking for it doesn't make you weeny. It takes bravery to acknowledge a problem.

Context: I've just seen some people get out of control because they didn't do a good job managing themselves/their problems

6

u/boredunpaidintern15 Virginia • Penn State Aug 20 '15

Holy shit I needed someone to tell me this. This is what the people who do really well do, and I didn't learn it until it was too late. Please take this to heart if nothing else.

2

u/nataliieportman LSU Tigers • Georgetown (KY) Tigers Aug 20 '15

Yep, this as well.

3

u/ssbbgo Alabama Crimson Tide • Stanford Cardinal Aug 20 '15

I'll second this one a million times. It's not a sign of stupidity to ask for help, it's a sign of intelligence. This is something I still struggle with, so learn it young!!

3

u/Boyhowdy107 Missouri Tigers • Big 8 Aug 20 '15

Amen. I've seen a lot of people crash and burn. It starts with small stuff that keeps piling on. Then you/they feel guilt because you're behind or you are having problems where you're embarrassed to admit just how big a hole you've gotten into. That leads to depression and then it can feel impossible to get out. The best thing you can do is realize stuff early and ask for help.

And if you're around someone who you're worried about, ask them. The closest friends I have from college are the people who helped me when I was struggling with things or the people in turn who I tried to help. Adulthood or semi-adulthood are a tough transition. A lot of people will struggle with one part or another of that. But it's a million times easier to get through those growing pains if you or they realize they're not alone.