10. 

Attitude is everything! No matter how cliché this phrase is, it holds true in every setting I have yet to encounter. Whether it is in class or at work, during a test or during a date, a positive and friendly attitude will take you far. Why not make your day a good one by smiling or saying hello to a stranger? I've found that I can handle any stressful situation if I remain positive and take it in stride. 

9. 

Remember: EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES! I have always thought that making mistakes is one of the most fool-proof ways of learning. Don't be afraid to take risks, and keep in mind that everyone has to start somewhere. Just remember to learn from your failed endeavors and do things differently next time. 

8. 

Keep an open mind! Clarkson College is a great place to learn not only about your chosen medical field, but also about yourself and others. True, I have absorbed a large amount of academic information during my time here at the College. However, I have learned a great deal more about my strengths and weaknesses, other cultures and beliefs, politics, and communication. Be non-judgmental and you will be amazed at what you can learn! 

7. 

ASK! This is one of the hardest things to do as a student. If you don't know where your classroom is, ask! If you don't know the definition of a word, ask! If you don't understand the homework assignment, ask! Being afraid to ask only inhibits you from succeeding in life. 

6. 

Take care of yourself! It's easy to forego exercise, fruit, and vegetables while juggling school, work, friends, and family. However, remember that no areas of your life will prosper if you are constantly ill or feeling depressed. Try to make time for exercising and eating balanced meals…and no, pizza and Easy Mac are not food groups. 

5. 

Set goals. Clarkson does a great job helping students succeed and do great things. However, no high and lofty goal has ever been met without being set first. Decide what you want to accomplish during your time here, then get to work doing it! Don't be afraid to dream on a grand scale. 

4. 

Remember who you are, what you are doing, and why you are doing it. This expands on the last tip: set goals. With everything we do as students, siblings, parents, friends, employees, and neighbors, it's often hard to remember why we do the things we do. Take time every so often to reevaluate your goals, look at your progress and your situation, and ensure you are still who you want to be. 

3. 

Make as many friends as possible. This is a fun one! To quote my favorite group, Dave Matthews Band, "…it's not where but who you're with that really matters…". This is so true! Healthy relationships with new and old friends provide necessary support during times of both hardship and joy. 

2. 

Whatever you do, DO NOT procrastinate! This is fairly self-explanatory.  With all the academic achievements expected from you at Clarkson College, the last thing you want to do is put assignments and projects off until the last minute. Procrastination is the easiest way to become stressed and crazy. 

1. 

You get out what you put in! This is #1 because it's my personal motto. If you decide to never attend social events, never reach out to make new friends, and never get involved on campus, you probably are going to have a mediocre Clarkson experience at best. Oppositely, if you meet new people, attend the free events, and join an organization or two, you'll probably be quite pleased with what Clarkson College has to offer.