Most of you have decided on a career. Even thought many of you will change your minds later; the initial decision allows you, to set class goals and pursue them step by step toward that, the final objective of graduation such goals are essential for success. In advising students, I always tell them to discipline themselves, to be prepared to study hard and keep up from day one.

Today's world is full of precious knowledge, whether it be in the arts, literature, a profession, or a vocational skill. College is your chance of a lifetime to explore these areas. Each facet can be as exciting when discovered by you as it was when discovered by the original author or explorer. Let yourself explore beyond your immediate career objectives. A student in auto mechanics in most schools also can take courses in history, philosophy, music, or art. There is no reason a craftsman also can't be a great thinker, or an explorer into the vast areas of unlimited knowledge. For a rich full life he or she should make the most of the opportunities at hand.

I hope that you have gathered by now that going to college means a lot more than earning a grade. To limit your college experience will be a waste to you and to all of the people, past and present, who have invested their pennies, dimes and dollars--- often at great personal sacrifice to make educational opportunities open for you. Putting it bluntly, college is a place to be greedy --- take all you can get and the some more.

Also consider this --- are you going to take a course to learn or are you going to take it only to have it on your record? I talk to far too many students going to school just to get the credentials' to " get a job". Again, they are cheating themselves. Get into the subjects in great depth to gain a true understanding. Don't be content to just skim over courses with "only to pass" in mind. By taking the in-depth approach you will be exploring many of the disciplines you enjoy the rest of your life.

Let me share with you a final observation. The person doing an honest piece of work, the work one can be proud of, is the truly happy person. This is true of the plumber, veterinarian, teacher, whatever. The agony of just getting by will eventually tear one asunder. The habit of honest work and pride in your work can be established to a great extent in college.

Thus, as you stand on the threshold of your college career, commit yourself and stand by that commitment. From the first day in class, discipline yourself to make learning fun, not a chore, and to get the most from the educational opportunities open to you.

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