"The Best Time of Your Life"...

Is college, right?

That's what everyone says as you prepare yourself to make that transition from awkward teenager to adult...
"Live it up, it's gonna be the best time of your life..."

Why is that, do you think?

The average college student has an abundance of time and minimal responsibility.  15 ish hours of class every week and a test or a paper every so often.  That is SO realistic.

In hindsight, college was easy compared to what goes on now, though while I was in college (the first four years) I thought the weight of the world was on my shoulders.  I took my extracurricular activities very seriously.  I was so busy, or so I thought.

My story is essentially the "Tale of Two Students" - the first student (2002-2006) was not a partier, but was disconnected from a purpose and enjoyed himself way too much.  He had scholarships and didn't have to pay for much of anything, at least upfront.

The second student (2007-2010) paid heavily for the first's mistakes.  He worked through school by taking several varied and demanding jobs while learning what it meant to be a husband and father.  He appreciated every dime spent on school and got his money's worth.  By the grace of God, he graduated.

I think I've experienced the extremes of student responsibility - and everything in between.

So, no, I submit that college is not the best time of your life...

If done right, college should be the start of an increasingly fruitful and improving life.

If you or your kid is about to enter higher education, here are some things I learned that will help maximize the learning done - both scholastically and personally:

1a) Start with the end in sight.  Most kids will change their major an average of 4 times (at least at the time I was enrolled, its probably a little higher now).  That's okay.  Make a thoroughly thought-about and prayed-over plan and execute it until you feel led to change it.  I'll write a separate post about how parents can help their kids prepare for higher education long before filling out an application.

1b) Treat school like a 40 hour work week.  Most students will spend 15 hours in class, leaving 25 hours for studying.  Work 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (if you have a scheduled activity during that time, simply tack the deficit on to a later time slot.  Google Calendar was my best friend during the later years of my education. A 40 hour work week will serve you by ensuring you get time in studies, have time for other activities, and prepare you for the realities of post-graduation life.

2) Find a church and get plugged in.  A book could be (and probably already has been) devoted to this subject.  But here's my advice:  BEFORE signing up for any other activities, get involved in your church.  Find a family that resembles what you want yours to look like and spend time with them.  Serve them (babysit, hang out with their kids, mow their grass, whatever).  It will probably be the most fruitful thing you do as a student.

College students (and I will include myself in this lot because I was certainly guilty of it) spend WAY too much time with each other.  Though its GREAT to socialize and fellowship,  it should not be your only interaction.  Don't get stuck in the "bubble".

3) Find something to be involved in.  When doing this, think about where you want to be in 5-10 years.  If you want to serve in the military, join ROTC.  If there is a major-specific group, join it.  Be wise about how much you sign up for, though.  Don't spread yourself too thin.

4a) Get Scholarships.  These will ease your financial burden.  Don't get loans, though.  They will multiply your burden - and that at a time when it is most hurtful.

4b)Get a job.  Find a way to make money (legally).  Mow lawns, deliver pizzas, do something.  If you stick with the aforementioned 40 hour academic work week, you should have plenty of time to work (10-20 hours would go a long way).  A lot of folks will disagree with this, but I suggest paying for school as you go. Take as many classes as you can afford to take. It may mean staying longer, but when you graduate, you will have a piece of paper in your hand without the gloom of paying for it later.  It may mean sacrificing activities or something else, but it is the best way to go, in my opinion.

5) Summer time - I personally believe that this should be a time to take a break from school and apply yourself to something else.  I worked at a camp during the summers and LOVED it.  It led to meeting my wife.  I would encourage you to find something that will both challenge you and help you financially.  Getting a break from the academic rhythm will definitely pay dividends, particularly if you are like me and sitting still is an issue for you.

Other Free Stuff:

Notice that this post is free of the "spend time finding yourself" type stuff.  Its malarkey.  If you spend time with people who can lead you, work hard at your goals, and enjoy the fruit of your labor, you will cement an identity you, your parents, and your future family will be proud of.

Dudes, you will probably have a family to support within 8 years of getting your first school ID printed. Keep that in mind as you prioritize your activities.

Ladies, if you are in school, do school.  You may get an MRS degree while you're at it, but if the dude you're dating in college is more focused on having fun than getting work done, chances are he won't change too much afterward, excepting for the work of God in his life.  If it were me, I wouldn't hang around to see how long it takes.

I've got a lot more specific stuff I'd like to add, but this post is already long.  I'll probably write a follow-up post with some of those things.
This list should be a good starter to ensure that you get the most out of your time and pay for it the easiest way.