HERALD EDITORIAL: A new semester is upon WMU; it’s time for a fresh start for students

At the start of the second semester of this academic year, most freshman students have acclimated to campus life and are now enjoying the freedoms of living away from home.

But there still is that small percentage of students clinging to their previous lives, homes and friends. Rather than jump headfirst into the college experience, they are timidly holding back, afraid of what might happen if they let go. Life is too short for that kind of hesitation, so here are some simple tips to help cut that umbilical cord.

First of all, we know you love your parents, we all love our parents, but limit your phone calls with them to allow yourself more free time. Rather than call your mom or dad a few times a day to let them know everything your teacher said or how mean that girl down the hall is, save all your gossip for one big phone call just once a week. It’ll give you a chance to sort through your problems yourself and give your parents a little more time for their own lives.

On that same note, we know you love your hometown, we all love our hometown, but try staying in Kalamazoo over the weekends. Sure, it is necessary for many of us to head home for holiday breaks, but during those boring weekends where not much is going on, stay around campus or venture downtown and see what you can find.

Kalamazoo has a plethora of activities, entertainment and restaurants to occupy your time, even if you’re by yourself. Or if you don’t feel like going out, hang in your dorm room or apartment but leave the door open or go knock on a neighbor’s door. You might meet an incredibly annoying person who will ruin your weekend but you also might meet someone who will make your college experience more memorable.

The adjustment to college life can be a scary transition for a lot of people, especially those who aren’t from Michigan or who lived on the other side of the state. And with all your efforts, you might not have the life-changing experience some people do have during these formative years. But by clinging to high school memories and strong parental ties, you are only limiting yourself of what the future might hold for you as an individual. Your body is obviously residing here, but your mind and your feelings will remain back home, where nothing can ever change what has already happened. Instead, let go of your inhibitions, strike up some confidence, and really take an active role in your social education here at WMU.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=2895

Posted by HeraldAdmin on Jan 4 2009. Filed under Editorial, Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
Web Manager: I'm a Communication Student at WMU, a SCUBA Diver, Boater, Ordained Minister, Notary Public, Web Designer, Film Maker, DJ, and of course a Journalist. Born and raised in Port Huron, MI and a graduate of SC4. http://www.codykimball.com