SECOND THOUGHTS: Using higher education to become your highest self
It’s been six weeks since UHCL opened its doors to much greater capacity, and there is much to think about. This fall semester represents the closest we’ve had yet to pre-COVID-19 conditions, and I for one cannot be happier.
The recently reopened campus brings an array of new faces to the university, including those students who started since Summer 2020.
Initially, I had planned to write the following as a letter to first year hawks providing my advice as they begin their time in higher education. With four years of Hawk experience and having been at UHCL since 2017, it made sense to provide my thoughts to those who are going to be in the shoes I once filled. Alas, Weeks of Welcome have come and gone, school has been in session for many weeks, and my time writing this made me realize that what I had planned to share could benefit more than just UHCL newcomers.
With UHCL back to more normal operations, it is vital that we really make use of our time in higher education as we get our first somewhat normal semester in over a year.
One thing many take for granted is the opportunity college provides to truly turn you into the best version of yourself. I don’t just mean turning you into a person who has a degree and is presumably more capable of getting a job, but someone who is wholesomely and holistically an all-around wiser, greater person than before starting college.
College is one of the best times in your life to become your highest self, both mentally and physically.
As university students, we have decided to dedicate time and money to gaining greater knowledge and experience from an institution whose existence is based on serving its students. Rather than going straight into the workforce or to trade school, we have decided to dedicate a great amount of our time to learn at an institution that is going to impact our future. You are ultimately the product of what you give your attention, money and time, and you’re giving a great deal of all those things to UHCL.
That being said, if you’re going to give such things to a place and are doing so expecting knowledge and experience in return, it is best to take advantage of what it offers beyond the classroom.
UHCL’s existence is ultimately based in being here for its students and it gets much of its funding from us. We’ve chosen to give this place thousands of dollars, so we might as well make this university work to our advantage. There’s plenty the university offers to make it do so.
Use the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center. An in-shape body helps build a better-shaped life and mind. You’ve got a whole Recreation & Wellness Center you should utilize to achieve your best physique possible.
Make use of Counseling Services. One should not underestimate how much they can benefit from therapy. When one also considers that your tuition is going in part towards such services, it is best to take advantage of it while you’re here. Not to mention, a therapist outside of college can be expensive. Moreover, we can all benefit from learning a bit more mindfulness and meditation, as well as other phenomenal therapies like group therapy, art therapy, couple’s therapy and psychiatric services available for us Hawks.
Utilize Health Services. Speaking from personal experience, you will find yourself spending a lot of money if you go to a regular doctor every time you have a health concern. Thankfully, we have Health Services to provide us with free health consultations that can ease the mind of a hypochondriac like myself. Even when you have to pay for a particular service from them, it is much less than what you would pay for another doctor.
Take advantage of the library and all it offers. Being a UHCL student means you have access to many academic articles and news publications you’d ordinarily have to pay more money than necessary for. Plus for all my fellow introverts out there, it’s the perfect place to get some solitary peace and quiet between classes. Not to mention, if you do not have streaming services, the library offers DVD’s of both past and present TV shows and movies, and a diverse audiobook collection.
Don’t hesitate to get involved in clubs and organizations, and that doesn’t have to mean straight up joining them if you don’t want to. It may be cliché but there is a reason people encourage you to get involved. You never know what great experiences and connections you will make. On a greater note, UHCL has an array of organizations that are each interested and dedicated to a variety of topics that could help you in the future. Maybe you don’t have to join but even knowing and connecting with those who sport different passions can go a long way in helping you in the future.
Also, if you really have something on your mind that you think people should know about, contribute to The Signal. Yes, I’m putting that out there. Sorry folks, but self promotion is key!
Additionally, and some may see this as not a big deal, but you are attending a university on a nature preserve. Don’t hesitate to enjoy the sunlight and beauty before you. Now, don’t be like me and try to chase after the deer, but research shows that spending time in nature can help alleviate stress and ease tension.
As you can see, UHCL has a lot to offer you for the next few years of your life. UHCL can help you become both mentally and physically stronger, healthier and overall more informed and ready to handle the outside world. Don’t make your classes your only means of being connected to the university. Ultimately, that’s what we’re here for, right? To come out better prepared to take on the world? Trust me, there’s much to do beyond classes to ensure that.
