Mrs. Steinmann's College Advice

Each Year I give the same speech to my students on how to have a good college experience. I've given it so many times that I decided to write it down and put it on my website. Below my five steps are some pictures and testimonial of students who took my advice and what they had to say about it. If you take (or took) my advice please email me a picture and a paragraph telling about your experience to jsteinmann@paradigmhigh.org

Steinmann's advice on how to have a good College experience.

Preface: Going to college changed my life. Not everyone needs to go to college. But in our society most people do. I know that college refined my mind and provided me with some discipline. I made amazing friends that I still keep in contact with 10 year later. I loved college. I want my students (and children) to have a similar experience.

1. Move away from home.

A big part of growing up is living on your own. Your first year at college live with other freshman in the dorms, after that rent apartments. Figure out how to pay rent, an electric bill, and make a quesadilla. College students who live at home during college may save money, but miss out on so many growing experiences. Move out! (Plus, it is way more fun!)

2. Have cool summer jobs

You are going to have to work the rest of your life. Even the best jobs get monotonous. Before you have to be a doctor, lawyer, mom, or insurance agent every day, have a few fun jobs. Spend a summer between semesters driving buses in Alaska, or cutting up pineapple in Hawaii, or being a river guide in Moab. Do something adventurous that will give you fun stories to tell friends when you return to school.

3. Do some kind of study abroad or live outside of the U.S.

Never in your life will it be so easy to pick up and spend six months in Paris, Mongolia, or Morocco as it is when you are in college. Most Universities have study abroad programs. Take advantage of the opportunities. Living abroad will provide you with a more comprehensive world view. And it is fun! After college it will be much harder to travel. Do it now!

4. Take from good professors.

The relationships you have with your college professors influence the rest of your life. Take from professors you believe can have the biggest positive influence to you personally. Not all professors like teaching. You are the paying customer and it is well worth your time to research professors that will work with your learning style. I’m not saying to take from the easiest professors – I’m saying be smart about your classes and do some research.

5. Graduate

I'm alarmed at the amount of people who pay for class after class without receiving a diploma. I will always be a proponent of learning for learning sake, but you can do that at the library for free. Universities will take your money, make sure you receive what they offer in the end. A diploma. Period.