A Survival Guide for JMU Freshman Year by Jonathan Church Introduction: So you've graduated high school and you feel on top of the world, you've entered the world best school in Virginia (JMU of course), and you've had all summer to be excited about the adventures you're sure to have at your dream college. But before your first semester as a college student can begin, here are 10 tips (call it a survival guide) to make your first year at JMU memorable. Understandably, most young adults aren't ready for the college lifestyle. They are unprepared for the long hours spent on school work, the looming financial costs, and the freedom that has suddenly been thrust upon them. There is no need to point out anyone, but rather let's get on the right path! The first knowledge I will impart to you is that your teachers are NOT your parents! Professors are there to teach and help you understand the material. I'm not there to tell you how special you are, that you are capable of anything, or to give you all the answers. That said, professors are not some kind of strange creature who teaches and then disappears into the fog, they are people: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles. They live among us, blending in with the general population, hard to believe, right?! I tell you this so that you can make friends with them. Have a chat with them every now and then and ask how things are going. There's no reason why you can't be friends with a professor, plus they might help you... they evaluate your work. And guess who will be writing letters of recommendation for you in 4 years? Plus these kids have already been to university, most of them more than twice, they're perfect... halfway... you can and because you'll never know what you love if you don't you look for it. Do it because it really is now or never. You are still young enough to not have a decision made, but old enough to have the door open to many opportunities. When I grew up I had the mentality that either you did something perfect or it wasn't worth doing. This made me afraid to try new things because I knew it wouldn't be perfect the first time. Don't be like go out and do new things, this is your chance to explore what you love in life. The best part is that the memories are there for the rest of your life, even when you're old and senile. This is very good advice. (Stay away from the illegal stuff though). Enjoy your time at JMU! Be productive, adventurous, and gather all the information you can, whether it's related to your schoolwork or not. And of course, Go Dukes!