‘Take things one step at a time and enjoy the journey!’
<p style=”text-align: center;”><strong>—Lorraine Maui</strong>
<strong>• Get organized early. Start the semester with a planner or digital calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines.</strong>
<strong>• Create a schedule that includes classes, study times, and breaks.</strong>
<strong>• Build relationships. Join clubs or groups to enhance your college experience and create a support network. Find your niche and connect with like-minded people.</strong>
<strong>• Prioritize health and wellness. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay physically active. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Mental health is equally important; don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.</strong>
<strong>• Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you can focus on your schoolwork without distractions. Use a planner or digital calendar to stay on top of assignments or projects.</strong>
<strong>• Use campus resources such as academic advising, tutoring centers, libraries, and counseling services . Don’t hesitate to visit your professors, academic advisors, or student mentors/leadership.</strong>
STUDENTS at Northern Marianas College are gearing up for another exciting semester of learning and growth, but returning to campus life can just be as daunting as it is thrilling. Fear not, eager scholars! Marianas Variety tapped into the wisdom of some of NMC’s finest to bring you the ultimate guide to acing your campus comeback.
Setting the stage for success
Roland Merar
ROLAND Merar, Director of NMC’s School of Education, emphasizes the importance of early preparation. “Get organized early,” he advises. “Start the semester with a planner or digital calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines. This helps manage time effectively and reduces stress.”
Lorraine Maui
But organization isn’t just about keeping track of due dates. Lorraine Maui, Dean for Academic Programs and Services, suggests a holistic approach: “Create a schedule that includes classes, study times, and breaks.” By mapping out your days, you’re not just managing your academics—you’re crafting a balanced college life.”
The campus connection
ALSO, college isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s about building a community. Merar emphasizes the importance of staying connected: “Build relationships with classmates, professors, and campus staff. Join clubs or groups to enhance your college experience and create a support network.”
Maui echoes this, encouraging students to “join clubs and organizations. Find your niche and connect with like-minded people.” So go ahead, sign up for the Associated Students of NMC, Environmental Natural Resources Organization, Humanities Club, Nursing Club, Proa, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Rec Club, Till the Day Mission, Volleyball or Heroes—you never know where you’ll find your people!
Mastering the mind-body balance
BOTH experts stress the importance of self-care. Merar advises, “Prioritize health and wellness. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying physically active. Mental health is equally important; don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.”
Maui breaks it down further: “Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Fuel your body with nutritious food. Stay active and reduce stress.” Remember, a healthy body supports a sharp mind!
Living the academic life
WHEN it comes to academic success, our experts agree: It’s all about strategy. Merar suggests creating a dedicated study space: “Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you can focus on your schoolwork without distractions.”
Maui adds practical advice: “Use a planner or digital calendar to stay on top of assignments or projects.” And don’t forget to set goals: “Determine what you want to achieve this semester.”
Tapping into campus resources
ONE of the biggest mistakes students make? Not taking advantage of campus resources. Merar urges students to “utilize campus resources such as academic advising, tutoring centers, libraries, and counseling services offered by the college.”
Maui reinforces this: “Don’t hesitate to visit your professors, academic advisors, or student mentors/leadership.” Remember, these resources are there for you—use them!
The final word
AS you start on this new academic year, keep Merar’s encouraging words in mind: “Your education is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Stay curious, stay engaged and, most importantly, believe in yourself.”
‘Your education is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Stay curious, stay engaged and, most importantly, believe in yourself.’
<p style=”text-align: right;”><strong>—Roland Merar</strong>
Maui also offers a final piece of advice that resonates with students everywhere: “Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first. Take things one step at a time and enjoy the journey!”
As you start this new academic year, remember that every student—from anxious freshmen to confident seniors—faces challenges and opportunities. The advice from these experienced educators isn’t just about acing exams or making the dean’s list. It’s about crafting a college experience that’s uniquely yours, one that balances academic growth with personal development.
So whether you’re logging into your first Zoom lecture or strolling across a bustling quad, keep these insights in your back pocket. They’re your secret weapons for turning obstacles into stepping stones and transforming everyday campus moments into lifelong memories. Here’s to a year of learning, growing, and maybe even a little adventure. Class dismissed!
