After 14 weeks of grinding out presentations, exams, and essays, summer is almost underway. Students are probably busy calculating their grades, hoping for miracles, and praying for their finals to turn out well. I want to take this time to congratulate all the seniors who are graduating and moving on to bigger and better things in their bright futures. Whether the seniors are going to graduate school or entering the work force, I congratulate them for surviving the four years at Rensselaer (we all know it’s not easy). I would also like to congratulate my fellow freshmen who have made it through the first year at Rensselaer. Hopefully we can follow in the footsteps of the seniors and survive four years at Rensselaer. Although it may sound cliché, it seems as though it was only yesterday that we moved in.
So, now that this school year is complete, what are we “rising sophomores” to do over the summer? Luckily, “rising sophomores” get some leeway when we go home for their first summer from college. This summer could be used to spend time with your family, finding employment at one of the local neighborhood stores, or catch up by taking some classes at the nearby community college. It is an unfortunate fact that this may be the last summer you spend at home for a very, very long time.
After this summer, it’ll be time to “kick it into career mode.” If you haven’t started already (which you should have), once sophomore year finally hits, internships, co-ops, and school activities must find their way onto your schedules to prepare you for the dreaded interviews we have heard so much about. Unfortunately, hocus-pocus magic tricks are of no use to you when in your career mode and ready to step into the realm of the interview. Your suits, ties, button-down shirts, coordinated blouse, and conservative skirts are not the only gear you will need to face the treacherous creature. Your most fabled and trusted weapon, the resumé, must be sharpened and ready for combat. You may find yourself at the brink of defeat, but the realm of the interview only knows perseverance. As you move up and add skill points to your intelligence, wisdom, strength, energy, and intestinal fortitude, you will find that the realm of the interview is no match for your superior skills. However, career mode is not to be taken lightly. If you do not prepare yourself adequately, be prepared for an epic failure.
Again, congratulations to all the graduating seniors. I hope everyone has an enjoyable summer!
