The Woodlands High School
The Woodlands, TX 77380

Dear Mrs. Grames,
The jump from high school to college is an important one. There are several things you must focus on to survive the college experience. We all want to do well in college, but at the same time we want to have the "time of our lives" and for most people that doesn’t mean schoolwork. I look at college a little bit like being in a sport. The sport is supposed to be fun and at the same time is competitive. It will be fun no matter what the outcome is, but most people will find it is much more enjoyable if you win. That same mentality can translate into school. Sure it will be fun whether your grades are high or low, but you will enjoy college much more if you’re carrying around that 4.0 gpa. With all of this in mind there are three important things that you as a student should know going into your freshman year at Texas Tech.
The main thing that any freshman entering Texas Tech will need to learn is time management. Any college student can tell you how important this is. For me time management has never been an issue because at The Woodlands I went to class, did what I needed to get done while I was there and then after school I wouldn't spend much time studying. The fact that you have so little class time in a week leaves you with more free time than you could ever imagine in high school. Here is where discipline and time management come into play. The best way to manage your time is to write out a schedule each day of what you need and want to accomplish. So you know exactly what you need to do.
Finding a spot to study is extremely important for success. If you think that studying in your dorm is going to be fine, think again. The dorm is not the right place for many reasons. It could be the annoying roommate, the distracting TV, the loud neighbors, or just that comfortable bed that will lull you to sleep faster than you can blink. The key is to find a quiet place where you are comfortable studying and can get away from all of the external distractions. Once you have found your spot you should visit it everyday, even if you don’t have much to study or do that day. This will get you in the routine of going there and having that time everyday.
One of the most important things to do as a freshman in college is to set goals. If you set goals then that really gives you motivation to do what needs to be done in the classroom. Goals build confidence and confidence lead to success. The best way to go about setting goals is to write them down on a sheet of paper. This way you will be reminded each time you look at them what you need to be focused on. Another way to achieve your goals is to write down steps to reaching your ultimate goal. These steps will put your goal in perspective.
College is a good time. You’re out living on your own for the first time, going through many situations in which you have never been in before. It can be exciting and stressful. Surviving college isn’t rocket science. It is a big transition in your life and will help mold you as a person. You know what you want to accomplish and it is up to you to do so.

Sincerely,
Sean Cahill