Free Tips on How to Succeed in College!

After quitting my job in construction, I returned to college with a great deal of motivation in terms of succeeding. I came up with a list of strategies that made my second attempt at college successful. Many of the items will read as being common-sense based strategies, that most successful students make, but I want to share the list as a way of explaining how I went from getting F's to getting A's, and the way my attitude and life changed, and how those changes affected my success in my my second attempt at college.




I decided to attend every class as if it was my job...because it was my job.
My last job before returning to college was working on the road as a construction worker. Our work week was 5:30 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Saturday. When I returned to college, I still socialized and had fun, but I made sure that no matter how much fun I had the night before, I would still attend my 8 am class. More after the jump.







I picked a major that was my passion: English Literature and Writing.
During my first attempt at college, I majored in Film Studies, Archeology, Journalism, and Sociology. I also didn't attend class regularly, and switched majors like most people switch shoes...which is to say very often. The writing classes held my attention because I could express myself creatively, and studying for class meant reading great literature and writing; these are two of my favorite things.
I lived in campus housing.
Living in campus housing assisted my educational success in many social and educational ways. I lived close to my classes, so I couldn't use all the familiar excuses for not attending. I met other students, and learned from them, and also studied with them. I also made friends in my classes, and formed study groups so we could help each other with assignments, and also as support on the nights when we wanted to blow off studying.
I took a work study position at the college library; this work study position helped me in many ways. I worked in the college library, and this was a great job that helped me become familiar with the books and writing that would be crucial in my Master's Degree Thesis research process, and it also allowed for study time during my work shifts. It may sound too good to be true, but when I worked at the library as a part time clerk, I had a great deal of time to study while I was getting paid, and this was not only allowed, but encouraged by my supervisor. I really believe work study positions, in contrast to jobs off campus, were a large part of my college success.
More tips to come in my future posts!