5 tips to self-discovery for first-year students

Brought to business first-year students by W. P. Carey Career Services, here are five tips to help you learn who you are, and become more comfortable building relationships with others.

College is a time for discovery, which can be exciting, rewarding, challenging and downright scary. Who am I? How do I fit in to this place called college? How will I connect to my university? Over the course of the next four years, you may find yourself asking questions like these, and hopefully even find yourself. As you embark on this life-changing journey, be sure to set aside time to discover and connect with yourself, in addition to those around you.

Here are five tips to help you learn who you are, and become more comfortable building relationships with others.

1. Accept failure, don't run from it

You will quickly learn, if you haven’t yet, that in some way you will fail while in college. But what happens after you fail? The quicker you accept your failure and learn from your mistakes, the quicker you will progress. Much like paying taxes, unfortunately, we can’t avoid failure, it is inevitable. Yet, failure is what makes us better. Do you beg to differ? Some the most famous failures include: Oprah Winfrey, Albert Einstein, President Abraham Lincoln, Michael Jordan, and Steve Jobs.

2. Speak up

College is a world full of flowing ideas and new ways of thinking. You are in a place that welcomes growth and change here at ASU. If you have an idea that will make the world a better place, improve a business model, or make it easier for communities to connect, share these ideas with your peers, faculty, and staff. A great place to do this is at Changemaker Central!

3. Ask a lot of questions

This seems obvious, but more often than not, we don’t want to feel stupid for asking a “silly” question. There is no such thing as a silly question. You cannot grow if you don’t ask. Remember the answer will always be “no” if you don’t ask. There are so many people full of knowledge who are ready and willing to share that knowledge with you. Never be afraid to ask for help or guidance because chances are, the person you’re asking, had to ask someone for something along the way.

4. Step outside that box

There will be times, when you may feel uncomfortable, or you may not want to step outside of your comfort zone. Remember change is uncomfortable. Life won’t always be a bed of roses, so use your time in college to get uncomfortable. Dare to be different. Walk away from the crowd and welcome a good challenge, or two. Your future self will thank you later.

5. Build your brand

You are your brand. Be sure to always represent your brand in such a way that others want to be associated with you. Connect with your faculty and staff. These individuals will be the one you ask for recommendation. Give back to your community. Regardless if you choose to give back here or at home, your community will always welcome you with open arms. Remember where you’ve come from. Lastly, connect with your peers and even alumni. Make meaningful, lifelong connections. One way to do this is by participating in W. P. Carey Mentorship Programs.

If you make a conscious effort to do these five things during your first-year student year, you are on the path to discovering who you are and who you will be once you leave college. Just remember to thank yourself later!