Was this supposed to be longer than four lessons?  Most likely so, but when I stumbled on it in a submerged folder on my computer, it gave me a laugh, and I hope it gives you one too.  While I am no longer in college and have not been for a little while now, I can verify that the rules and anecdotes still ring true—at college and beyond.

Lesson #1 — Counteract Critical Attitudes

College life exposes me to a lot of complaining and criticism, and I will admit I am not innocent in this regard.  Consequently, I think it is important to be conscious of the environment we are in and aware of how it influences our own thoughts and words.  To counteract the negative attitude which I have noticed is particularly common among college students, here are some quotes from different 19th-century novels.

• “A little credulity helps one on through life very smoothly, — better than always doubting and doubting, and seeing difficulties and disagreeables in everything.” — Miss Matty Jenkyns in Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
• “Don’t repeat evil on any authority unless you can do some good by speaking about it.” — Miss Browning in Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters
• “The worst class of sum worked in the every-day world, is cyphered by the diseased arithmeticians who are always in the rule of Subtraction as to the merits and successes of others, and never in Addition as to their own.” — Charles Dickens as the narrator in Little Dorrit

Lesson #2 — Count the Cost and Remember Why You’re Here

Class cancelations, being let out early, and having as many vacation days as possible excite almost every student I encounter.  This stems from the fact that students often view class and learning as a burden.  I realize that some students attend college merely for a degree, for a social life, or because it’s expected, but no matter what your reason for attending college, remember that someone (you, your parents, a scholarship sponsor, taxpayers) is paying for your education, and when your teacher cancels class, you are missing an opportunity to learn, and you will be losing time and knowledge for which you or someone else has paid.  A “free” day may not be as free as you think.  This applies to life outside college too.  Be sure to count the cost of everything, even when it claims to be free, and always make sure you know why you are where you are and why you are doing what you are doing.

Lesson #3 — Accept the Unexpected

Throughout life and especially at college, you will have strange experiences.  Being open to new experiences and tolerating ambiguous situations can be assets.  Just so you’re prepared for some of the weirdness on a college campus, though, here’s some advice.

1. If you hear screaming or loud sustained beeping noises, don’t worry.  It’s normal, and yes, you will probably be able to tell if there is an actual emergency.  Also, the fire alarm will sound recognizably different.
2. People are weird and act in accordance, but if you observe strange behavior on campus, judge kindly.  The unusual behavior may be due to a class assignment—or maybe the person is merely weird after all.  Who knows?  Smile on the inside and move on.

Lesson #4 — Meet People Through Music / Speak Words of Encouragement

If you want to meet people, hole up in a music practice room or your dorm room and play the violin.  People will come a-knocking.  I can’t remember how many times this recipe turned out—unintentionally on my part.  As strange as it sometimes seemed, it was really encouraging when people told me how much they enjoyed my music.  Whether they realized it or not, I often needed to hear that because I was generally worried I was disturbing people with my music or being too loud.  Some people even slipped me notes under the door to let me know they were enjoying the music, which really warmed my heart.  So if you have a word of encouragement for someone, don’t hesitate to speak up or share it.  You could make someone’s day with a few brief words or with a kind note and a smiley face!