Post by The Big PINK One♥ on Jun 11, 2008 20:55:19 GMT -5
College Girl Commandment #3: Love Thy Friends
I Wish I knew of this when I was in College...
Young women: take yourself seriously and have an awesome college experience! Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of college life.
Hey, ladies, need some advice about how to have a fabulous college experience? Here's some words of wisdom to help you out!
Take Yourself Seriously
Here's something to keep in the back of your mind: women before you fought long and hard so that you could have the opportunity to go to college and to be taken seriously. For women who were lucky enough to go to college in the early-to-mid twentieth century, expectations were that they were only there for an M.R.S. degree-- i.e. to find a husband. And women were actively discouraged from majoring in just about anything that might lead to a career in anything but education, nursing, and home economics. Thanks to the women's movement of the 1970s, along with thousands of young women over the years who braved the system and demanded they be taken seriously, women now have a much easier time in college.
Appreciate what these women did for you by taking yourself seriously. Never play down your intelligence! In all sorts of subtle and not so subtle ways, women are taught to be "nonthreatening" by keeping their thoughts and opinions to themselves. Don't do this! Anyone who likes you less because of your intelligence is not worth an iota of your time.
Body Image
There's this image in the media of the sexy co-ed flaunting her body during spring break. You don't need to leave up to this image--and hopefully you don't want to! Resist the pressure and don't worry about looking like a supermodel. Come to class ready to learn, regardless of how your hair looks.
Keep in mind that eating disorders are a serious problem on college campuses. Here's some information about college students and eating disorders.
Love Your Friends
The friends you make in college may be some of the most valuable ones you make in your life. Be kind to your friends, and don't stand them up when you have a date. And try to avoid all the drama that goes along with college friendships. Twenty years from now, you're going to have forgotten about 90% of the drama, but if you're lucky, you'll still have the friendships.
Sexual Relationships
As an adult, you get to decide whether or not to be sexually active. Just always remember to proceed with caution and don't take sexual decisions lightly. Along with the risk of pregnancy and STDs, sexual relationships are challenging emotionally. (You've heard it a million times, ladies, but always insist on condoms!) In addition, keep in mind that sex leads to gossip, especially the insular atmosphere of a dorm or college campus. There really is a double standard that applauds guys for experimenting and snubs girls.
One thing that all college girls absolutely need to be aware of: acquaintance rape. Did you know that up to 1 and 4 women become the victim of sexual violence during college? Here's some important information about sexual violence and college students.
The "M.R.S." Degree
Some women really do hope to find a husband in college. And why not? College is a great place to meet a man-- or a woman! However, the college experience is too valuable and too expensive to use as a dating service. Remember that first and foremost, you're here to learn. Also, keep in mind that even if your goal is to become a stay-at-home mom (an admirable goal!), a college degree and marketable skills are very important to have as a backup. Sometimes life doesn't work out the way you want it to.
Dress for Success
As part of taking yourself seriously, come to class dressed like someone who's there to get an education. No, you don't need to wear a business suit. But do you really need to wear that low-cut top to your chemistry class? On the weekends, dress as crazy as you want, but in class, tone it down. In addition, make sure your clothing is comfortable! Young women who traipse around campus in stilettos on icy days are not sending the message, "I'm intelligent and you should take me seriously!" Here are some clothing tips for college girls.
{Source: Suite101.com}
