Backpack Backpack!

College life can be compared to the TV show, “Dora the Explorer”. To reach such places, you will have to equip yourself with the right items in you backpack. If you don’t, you will have trouble reaching certain places. You will need friends too, such as Diego and Boots, to make your journey easier and more worthwhile. For now, think of me as Dora.

First, we’ll have to go through at least four landmarks to reach a fantastic place called GRADUATION. According to our map, the trip to Graduation may be more difficult than you think. You’ll surely encounter lots of hurdles and mountains so it’s important to consider the things that we’ll put in our backpack in order to survive.

To tell you the truth, the four places are almost the same. Yet, the path gets harder as we move farther. So, the first set of items that we should put in our backpack is our academic skills. In college, it’s not enough that you sit in class and listen to the teacher. It’s very important to grasp the full meaning of all the ideas presented to you or else you’ll be in trouble. You’ll be needing them in the next landmarks, like a prerequisite. Moreover, I am warning you that there will be a lot of papers and reports along the way. You better make sure that you’re working on your written and oral skills. Another part of the academic skills is your good study habits. Study habits that work best for me may not be the same as yours. For instance, I may be most productive at night while you’re better off in the morning. I may not be used to cramming but you’re perfectly fine with it. Hence, it’s up to you to find out when and how it’s best to study, remember and apply the information that you learn.

Next on the list are your intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. You have to have a healthy relationship with yourself and with other people. You should learn how to deal with your professors, classmates and staff. Once in a while, you’ll be needing help from these people and besides, you’ll be seeing the same faces for quite a long time. Also, you won’t be so frustrated if you have friends to share your problems with. Learn to laugh, smile and have fun but with the right people. Choose the ones that will help you handle the pressure of college life correctly. Choose the ones that will help you grow.

The last item that we should bring in our backpack may be often overlooked but it’s equally as important as the first two. Academic, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills are nothing without practical skills. You can’t survive the college journey if you’re bad at budgeting, managing your time and maintaining good health. Do you think you’ll pass a long exam by reviewing ten minutes before? And what’s the point of studying and hard work if you’re always sick and absent?

Now, let’s have a recap. What are the essentials that we should put in our backpack? You’re right. We need academic, intrapersonal, interpersonal and practical skills. Although, I just have to say that we can actually acquire and develop more of these skills as we go along. And how many places do we need to visit before getting to Graduation? You’re right again. Uno, dos, tres, quatro! I think you’re ready now. Good luck amigos y amigas!