A Piece of Thought About College
So, in this post, I’m going to talk about college. I hope that some of my readers are high school students, or just-graduated high school students, so this post can be kind of inspirational. I know, I know, I’m not a college student anymore, but it wasn’t a long time ago, so I still know a thing or two. And since UAN result came like some time ago, I think it’s a good time to share a few things about what being in a college is all about, at least, from my point of view.
Actually, I’ve wanted to write about this since my last IT expo in ITB with my friend, Puja. In the expo, many masterpieces of STEI (School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics) students were showcased. One of the showcased is a fruition from my team (Cahaya). At that time, I had some kind of a flashback about being in the team, being a college student. After that flashback, I’m inspired to write about it. So, here goes nothing.
I would like to divide it into 5 parts, Academics, Organizations, Passions, Circle of Friends, and Miscellaneous .
1. Academics
Well, from my point of view, the main purpose of going to college is the academic stuff. Graduating with a title, learning new stuff, excels in class, etc. Being a nerd that I am, I think that this is the most important part of college. You have to be able to maintain your time, to keep up with the pace of the classes, so you will be able to succeed academically. There is also another point of view of mine, graduating on time is a must, but not too early. Some might say that it’s pointless to graduate on time or early (sometimes being on time can be considered early). WHY?
I will explain in terms of ITB study timeline. So, in ITB, the scheduled time to graduate is in the end of our 4th year (graduating in the 5th year is still considered on time). Four years is enough time to spend in college. I know that college can be a lot of fun, and kind of hard to leave, but it’s time for you to leave. It’s time for you to see the world, to get a job, to explore the world, not to be kept inside a bubble of fun called college. I think graduating on time is not that hard to do, just keep your head in the classes, study before the exams, do your final project with discipline, and don’t pull silly acts, without a doubt, you will graduate on time with flying colors.
2. Organizations
Academic is a must, is a priority, but it shouldn’t keep you from socializing. I’d say being involved in organizations is socializing, because you got to interact with others, organizing stuff, which is not easy. By being involved, you’re harnessing your communication skill, which is as much important as your academic results. You must be smart, you have to excel in academic, but if you can not interact with others, it’s no use. It’s like having a vision, with no following. You have to convince others about your vision, you have to be able to communicate your vision, then you will be heard.
In organizations, you can make mistakes, or at least you don’t have to face huge consequences after the mistakes. Then, you can learn from it. But, in the real world, you can’t. Mistakes sometimes are unacceptable. It’s out of the equation. So imagine, with less experience, you will be overwhelmed with expectations. Well, I’m not saying with experience you won’t be, it’s just that the experience has taught you something. You have that push that makes you a little more confident in doing something.
Organizations don’t have to be “himpunan”, or “KM” (or “BEM” in other universities). It can be extracurricular clubs or I don’t know, something else. But, be cautious! Some organizations are illegal and somewhat destructive. So, play safe, be in organizations like “himpunan” or “KM” or extracurricular clubs. Socialize!
3. Passions
Keep doing what you’re passionate about. If you’re in the right faculty, then good. But many are not so lucky. Sometimes people love cooking, but have to do engineering stuff. Some love management, but stuck with physics. So, in your busy busy schedule, do that thing that keeps the spark of your eyes stays alight. If you’re passionate about artsy stuff, keep drawing, keep doing those artsy stuff. If you’re into management, take as many management class as you can.
Well, as for me, I’m the lucky few. I’m passionate about programming, so I keep doing what I love, I code I code I code. And fortunately, I’m blessed to have a lot of good friends that support me and ask me to keep doing what I’m passionate about. Well, this leads to my number four.
4. Circle of Friends
Friends! They are important. If you think you can slide through college alone, you’re horribly mistaken. Besides, that’s just silly, THIS is the time to make a lot of friends. Like I said earlier, socialize! Don’t be picky about your friends, befriended with everybody, at least if they don’t give you any harms, be friends with them. But yes, you need to pick your circle of friends.
You might have realized that there are circles of friends, or more familiarly called “click”. In my point of view, you need to be in one, but you have to carefully pick your click. Those are the people that you trust, you can count on and can have fun with. A click is very important because it will help you to go through some rough time. And sometimes it will open up a whole new opportunity. I happen to be friended with a lot of great people which have helped me achieving and being everything that I am right now. So, have a click and make the best ever friendship out of it. But remember, befriended with everybody, you can’t be picky about it.
5. Miscellaneous
This is a few things that I think still essential when you go through college. You have to have fun, but not too much fun. Having fun actually helps you to be better, to be focus on the things that you work on. But be careful, too much fun is a waste of valuable time. Yes, you can have too much fun once in a while, but not too much of too much fun (does this even make sense?). Well, (I hope) you know what I mean.
If you still have some spare time, then keep yourself busy with something productive. My advice is to be in a language class. If you still stumble when you talk English, take an English class. If you’re already great in English, well take anything, Japanese, French, Spanish, or Swahili, I don’t know, just be busy and productive.
Keep in shape! After college, naturally you would want to have a job and some jobs are very demanding, in terms of health conditions. You don’t have to have a six-pack or something, but at least be healthy. Go easy on those fatty fatty food, or alcohols, or those that can harm your health. And trust me, do some sports. Me, personally, hate sports. The only sport I did in college was walking from my parking spot to my building which is less than 500 m, I assume. It was unhealthy. Exercise three times a week would be good for you.
Yeah, that’s about all. Well, for you freshmen, have fun in college. It will be the best time of your life. So, don’t miss anything, kay? 
