Advice on how to find success for the class of 2010

By Marcos Moreno

Our university is back in session. If you're a returning student, you pretty much know all the ins and outs of Santa Clara, but, if you are a freshman, you have a lot to look forward to over the next four years.

College isn't an easy thing to get used to -- I still have no idea what I'm doing here -- but one thing I do know is that Santa Clara is quite the experience. Now, being the helpful, all-knowing, genius that I am, I'd like give all the first year students some pointers on how to make your first year worthwhile.

I don't want to exaggerate what your first year at Santa Clara is going to be like, but I don't want to sugarcoat it either. Like any new experience, it's going to be a challenge. But the best part about college is meeting new people. Do this as often as possible: in your dorms, in your classes and in the cafeteria. Sometimes it's not always what you know that matters, but who you know. Plus, it's always nice to have friends around.

I even asked some of my friends to help me out with this article, and they had plenty of advice. One said the best way to meet people is to be flexible and look for activities that you can invite others to. Be accepting of other students and you'll make a lot of friends.

Find a hobby. This choice must be something completely outside the realm of scholastic activities because, unlike school, it must involve fun. Find something to do that helps you relax -- something to take your mind off of the fact that you're here for four years. The hobby could be anything from going to the gym, playing music or, if you must, reading a book.

You might even try getting off campus entirely. Taking a walk around the neighborhood is a great way to forget the stress of college life. Another one of my friends suggested students go to local sporting events. With the Sharks, Stealth lacrosse and Giants minor league baseball teams in San Jose, the neighboring city has plenty to offer with professional sports. Try to get off-campus every once in a while and see what Silicon Valley has to offer.

A quick suggestion: I know it may be hard to keep your sanity in a place like this, but just remember to take plenty of naps. Napping definitely counts as a hobby.

I would also strongly recommend joining a club. It's probably the quickest and easiest way to meet other people. Not to mention that Santa Clara has a wide variety of clubs to choose from, so you're bound to find something that interests you. A friend of mine who's a Community Facilitator estimated that we have registered about 80 clubs on campus this quarter. So there should be something for everyone. In a club, everyone shares a common pursuit, and nothing brings people together like a mutual goal.

My last piece of advice is very simple: have fun. This is the determining factor in making your first year at Santa Clara a good one. More often than not, when someone isn't having a good time, it's because they haven't been trying hard enough. Get out there and don't sit around waiting for something to happen -- make it happen. It's your first year, so make the most out of it and welcome to college.

Marcos Moreno is a senior English major.