A textbook transition

Life has its chaotic moments, there's no doubt about it. I have been told as you get older it just gets worse. One of those chaotic things we go through is transitioning from high school to college.

For those out there that are making this change from high school to college, I have some tips to help you know what to expect.

First off, view college as a fresh start, so let the high school clicks die.

My friends always complained about how high school was like a drama queen jungle, filled with jock-gorillas smacking their chest before a football game. It was all about who you knew and what you looked like. You got labeled and clumped in with a group of people that looked and acted like you.

The good news is you're in college now. People have differences and still respect and talk to each other. I have college friends who are from foreign countries, who are tenyears older than me, and who have completely different interests and personalities. We still sit together at lunch and have a good laugh.

It is true that there are some clicks, but unless you're dressed like a serial killer or smell like you forgot your yearly bath, there should be people willing to talk to you.

Tip number two, do not skip class, ever!

Remember those days when you could skip school to go to the beach or hang out with friends?  Sorry buddy, those days are over! College does not make you go five days a week to the same class, but that's because they utilize the time you do spend in class.

You could be lucky and get a teacher who does not need you to be in class, but have the mindset that you will need to make every class, every time.

Most likely you're using FASFA or scholarship money to go to college, and attendance can affect how much money you get. Your grades are also important if you want to get scholarships for school later on, so truth be told, you can't afford to miss class. Colleges expect you to be there because you're an adult now, so take my advice and don't skip.

You are an adult now; be responsible.

You don't need a hall pass to use the bathroom anymore. You're an adult and, for the most part, you get treated like one. There are some nice perks to that, like you can step out of class to answer your phone, but that also means nobody is looking out for you.

It is your job to keep up with your homework assignments and to make sure you have your money budgeted. I suggest having a journal to write down every homework assignment you get and to also keep track of how much money you spend. Make sure the journal is nice enough and distinct enough that it doesn't wear out during the semester or get misplaced.

Make friends with your teacher.

Seriously, no one is going to call you a teacher's pet. In high school you might have hated your teachers, but in college you need to get along with them. Teachers can hook you up with job openings, special offers, and they control your final grade. You want to have their favor; it can be extremely helpful.

Doing things to show them you're interested, like answering questions in class, going to their office afterwards to talk about assignments, and telling them to have a good day, can really help the odds of them liking you. Showing interest, makes them feel like you are trying to do your best in class.

Also avoid doing things that annoy them. Put your phone away, texting in class is a good way to upset a teacher really fast. It shows you are ignoring them. Do not show up late, it makes them feel like they're not important enough to be on time for. After all, if you were going to your wedding would you be late? Avoiding these two things will help keep you from getting on their bad side.

Remember, I am not the mouth of pharaoh, so this is not law. These are just some guidelines that I have found helpful from what I've experienced and what my friends have told me. Good luck adjusting to college life. In the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi, "May the force be with you."