by Rylee Barber, NJHA Vice Chairman

The most wonderful time of the year is here! Many people are preparing to see family, planning their perfect holiday feast, and wrapping up gifts to give their loved ones.

Well this year I am wrapping up something a little different. I will graduate from Texas A&M University on December 13, 2019 and that will wrap up my college career.

The last 3 ½ years have been some of the most fun and eye-opening years of my life. I have had the privilege of getting to travel the country, I have met some of my life-long friends and I have completed more internships than I count.

As my last few weeks are wrapping up I have a few tips for students in college and for those that are applying.

1. Don’t judge a book by its cover
While this applies to many facets of life, it especially applies to college. Whether it’s a professor or class or a classmate it is important not to judge based off your first experience. I would never have met one of my best friends if I didn’t take this advice to heart.

2. Take advantage of every opportunity
12 internships down and 1 to go. I might not have been the most involved on campus, but I kept plenty busy. Each internship I completed has opened windows and doors that I hadn’t imagined. Whether it is internships or study abroad or campus involvement, pick something and take advantage.

3. Cherish your time
3 ½ years went by in a blink of an eye. I wouldn’t trade a minute of it for the world. As much as you might think you are ready to get out and tackle the real world, cherish your time in college. When the time comes for graduation you might wish you would have slowed down.