My Advice to Returning & 1st Time In College Students

(My Summer 2011 Semester at Valencia College)

From my personal experience to success while in college:
Encouraging students to get involved & stay focused!

1. Attend the orientations & as many skill shops as possible (they are essential & plus, they have some geared towards your career choice :)]
2. Stay ahead, study every chance you get so that you won't crash before taking a test/exam. Study groups are so effective to you grasping the material. So form a study or become a part of one with students studying the same material(s), this is what got me through a trying time my 1st semester in college.
3. Be sure the classes that you register for are accredited towards the degree you're seeking, you don't want to take unnecessary classes that will prolong your completion date (unless they're a part of your electives) 
4. Be committed to your studies! You signed up for this, so choose wisely -- "partying & hanging out w/ friends or studying & making A's .. & graduating honors!"
5. Apply for scholarships, once they're yours, you may use them when you need them. My 1st year in college, my student success class offered a chance to win $500 for the students who chose to get involved with school activities. They promoted this in an easy conformable fashion by attending skill shops & volunteering on campus, so I did it! Within 2-3 months I earned the $500 scholarship! :)
6. Don't be tardy for class meetings if you can help it. If you have more important schedules like -- (work, attending church services, DR's appointments, picking kids up from school..etc.) then make sure you schedule your classes around that!
7. Stay connected with your adviser. He/She will keep you on track with your classes & what schedule or courses are necessary for you completing.
8. Get involved! They need you around campus, your "enthusiasm" will keep other students motivated. & This promotes motivation for you to get into the school spirit of learning & getting ahead :)
9. Eat light meals before you go to class, but enough to not be hungry before you leave campus .. because food weighs you down, try to drink a lot of liquids as often as you can& eat fruits/nuts instead of candy. (cut back on sugar & high in salt & starch products)
10. Be aware of your grade progression. You want to be an honors student? Do what we do! Set aside time for studying, do all of your homework assignments & make useful of the tutors that are available for you. Know your GPA & what will maintain it!

Avoid the things that knocks your focus from your goal of enjoying this season of your life. With great tips & advice like that, you should do great & excel in all you set yourself to do this semester. So that you may graduate & move on to the next chapter of your life!