FREE ADVICE!

I am a fifth year senior majoring in Government and minoring in Global Political Economy.  I am choosing to write my advice for incoming freshmen (i.e. all of the stuff I wish someone would have told me). I will be adding to my list but here are my first two pieces of adviceA few wise words from a Super-Senior:
Go to your professor’s office hours

     -Although it may seem hard to believe when you are 1 in 65 people in a class, professors pay attention to who is actively participating in class 
     -Professors have many years of experience and are very knowledgeable in the subject matter that they are teaching.  Remember that professors can easily be doing another job, but they are college professors because they enjoy teaching and being around young people.  They are here for the students and enjoy when they feel that they are making a difference in the life of a student. 
   - Let’s be realistic.  If you are between an A- and a B+, the professor may remember that you were participating in class and showing up to the office hours to have questions answered.  Your odds are very good for the A- if the professor knows that you were trying to help yourself. 
-    Letters of Recommendation! When you are a senior (like me), you will get to your junior or senior year and realize that, whether it be a recommendation for a job or for graduate school, you need to have scholarly letters of recommendation.  Professor who mentor you in your classes are likely to provide you with solid letters of recommendation.

     Study abroad 
- I had the privilege of studying abroad last fall in Seville, Spain. It was the best experience of my life. 
- NMSU has a very good study abroad program that provides you with chances to study in many different countries and languages.  On top of that, scholarship opportunities are available to help you fund your trip.
-If you do a direct- exchange through the university, you are able to pay NMSU tuition (and yes, the Lottery Scholarship does apply.
-  Think about it.  When else will you have the opportunity to learn about another culture in another country? Being a student is convenient because we have no REAL responsibilities. Yes, we may have a job and school.  But a majority of us do not have house payments, health insurance payments, etc.  We are free to travel while we are young and not tied down!
-Job applications! Employers like to see that a person has studied abroad because it shows a sense of independence and willingness to try new things.  It also shows an ability to be open-minded and may give you a step up in the hiring process 
- It is fun! Studying abroad will change your view on life. Also, you have many opportunities to travel while you are studying abroad.  I got to visit 9 different countries while I was studying in Spain

That's it for now. More to come.
Cal