As we get closer to the end of this school year I want to offer my help to those entering college in the fall. You may ask why me? It is because in the last four years I have seen people make mistakes after mistakes. They have taken classes they don't need and missed taking classes they did need. They waste the first year taking meaningless class and spending money on classes that have no future.

Now I know for some you will be required to take some classes. I advise you find out what these classes are and get them done quickly. Not everyone will need to do this. For me, I did not have to take any classes so I was able to start taking the classes I needed from day one. You need to check with the school you are planning to go to now. This can be done through the computer or the telephone. Don't wait until you arrive on campus. Plan now, plan smart.

A little more about my journey. I am going to graduate in about 4 weeks. I am a double major student. I will be getting my Bachelor's degree in both History and Psychology. You don't have to do this. I sacrificed a lot of things to accomplish this. I am also on the Student Council. I have been elected every year since I started as a freshman. I have been active in sports. Earning letters in Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, and Swimming. I have taken part in a lot of special events. Basically, I ate and slept for everything school related. I also did student mentoring. I taught/tutored at least 5 students every semester. I even got attacked by one of them. So be safe.

Another thing. I choose to go to a local college. But I was planning for more. But after my parents were killed by a drunk driver I was in no shape to go away from home. I was accepted at Notre Dame, Penn State, USC, and the Naval Academy among others. I do know what I am talking about. In June I start work on my Master's Degree. I am doing a double major again. In History and Counseling. I know I'm crazy. But I have a goal. I want to be a Psychologist and open a clinic for those who can't afford mental health care. That is my vision, and as the good book says, "Without a vision, the people will perish."

Remember this is just my opinion. But you need to choose wisely. Don't choose a major that holds no future. Believe me. A degree in Philosophy almost guarantees a worthless degree. There are majors that are worthless unless you're planning on becoming a grade school teacher. Please, I'm not saying that is a bad career choice. But if your goal is being a teacher choose a major that will equip you for the task. What do you want to do for the next 30 to 40 years? What is your goal? Create a goal and go for it. As they say. "Keep your eye on the bouncing ball."

I think I have a lot of experience on this subject. Feel free to ask me any question. I will do my best to give you the best answer I know. Remember this is only my opinion. I will not debate what I have said. I am willing to discuss it.

Thanks for listening...

Amanda