KU graduates reflect on lessons learned

Asked at Kansas Union, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd. on May 16, 2010

“To take your time and soak it in. And to have fun downtown and to learn about Lawrence, not just KU.”

“Know what you are coming to college for. Don't party too hard. Don't live in McCollum.”

“Don't procrastinate. Study hard. And start looking for a job early.”

“Do not graduate on time. The real world will always be there. But college is only four years, so it needs to be extended as long as possible.”

“Stay in school while you can and enjoy it. Because it is probably some of the best years of your life. And there is no rush to grow up and get out in the real world.”

“Get involved in the school. Participate in activities. Get to know people. You will get a lot more out of it than you will put in.”

“KU has so many good opportunities. I would say if you are interested in anything, go to that club, go meet with the people. ... Seize every single moment because it is so fun and it goes so fast.”

“Support nonrevenue and women's sports because we care a lot about what we do. And when there is no one in the stands and more Mizzou fans show up than KU fans, it's really embarrassing. And go to class. You are not going to learn if you don't go to class. And then if you have to fight a grade, the professor actually knows who you are.”

“Don't decide you major too early. Always be willing to change your mind. If you think that you know exactly what you are going to do in four years here, it is not going to take four years. Really just let it be fluid, always look at different opportunities and just keep plugging along.”

“Don't let someone else pick your schedule for you. Because they are always going to put you in whatever school they work for despite what you ask for specifically. And don't be afraid to drop a class if you are doing bad. You can make it up, and you don't want an F.”

“Look into the schools more before you choose one. Don't just pick one without visiting it. Because that is what I did and I ended up having to transfer after two years. And take your time deciding what you want to study. Keep your options open.”

“You have to put in a lot of hard work, and it is not always fun, and it is not always easy. So finding that right balance between work and play is key. Because if it is too much work, you get stressed out. But if you do too little work, you don’t get the job done.”