By Amira El-Khaouli & Fredrick Misleh
Welcome back, Cougars!
It would seem we have survived another summer of family vacations, UV burns and dreadful employment options. Take a sigh of relief and get back into gear because school has started and your future awaits.
To date, 7 percent of the U.S. population is enrolled in post-secondary education, joining the ranks of the roughly 30 percent who already hold their bachelor’s degree or higher. This information is not to be taken lightly.
We are the lucky few. College is an important chapter in your life. It’s time that truly defines you.
A shout-out here belongs to fellow student Cipriano Vargas, who has met everyone and is involved in everything and was named a CSU trustee this fall. Cipriano is going to be president one day.
Sadly, or thankfully —- however you want to phrase it —- the CSUSM community faced a public expulsion last year. I won’t embarrass that student further, save to serve as a reminder that some will be left behind.
So let’s make the most of our college years. You’re only lucky with four or more. If I’ve learned anything from TV, it’s that being in college grants you license to act like a rock star. For the love of whoever, just find the right balance between schoolwork and social life. My mama told me to take my time. Don’t overload on classes. Work hard and get paid. Making the Dean’s List is an amazing reward.
Of course, parties are a part of college life. Movies like “Old School” and “Project X” reflect “Animal House” rebellion. “Greek” took high school Olympiad projects and English literature to the college level. Don’t put this kind of pressure on an activity intended to relieve stress and boredom because the best rebellious activities are also intelligent.
Need an invite? Don’t waste the opportunity to make new friends. Every club, sport and fraternity are fair game and all will welcome you.
Most of the professors at CSUSM genuinely care about you and want to know your name and your character. Go to office hours, stay after class, talk to them. Ask about the material, their life experience, etc.
In a shameless plea for participation, I would like to point out that the Opinions section of The Cougar Chronicle is open to student contributions as a forum for topic discussion. Please submit to Letters to the Editor.
Lastly, I would like to mention that Sunday marked that start of National Suicide Prevention Week, an affliction that claims one person every 40 seconds, internationally. Keep your self-esteem high Cougars and if you have concerns, talk about it. It’s a new year. Your friends are scattered across the country. Your classes are more challenging. It’s all about you this time.
College is going to be legend, wait for it, dairy.