Tips for the Truman Experience from a rising senior
Upcoming senior psychology major Juvia Duran shared some advice on how students can make their Truman State University experience as great as possible by connecting with professors and being yourself.
Duran is a St. Louis native and initially enrolled in the University as a psychology major with the intention to become a therapist, but she now plans to do something within psychology even if not as a therapist. Classes like cultural and positive psychology have shifted her focus and interest to a more nuanced understanding of the psychology field where she is able to incorporate culture and personal experiences to the more serious topics. Her academic experiences have influenced her University experience enough that she shared four main tips other students might also follow.
Number One: Study, but don’t only study. Duran said studying is one of the best things a student can do for their academic success, and despite how tedious it can be, it is of the utmost importance in making sure students are getting the full academic experience. In addition, she said getting connected with professors and fostering professional relationships can be incredibly helpful in understanding course materials and getting guidance for the future. However, studying shouldn’t be the only thing that students do — hanging out with friends or joining clubs can be a great way to ensure there is a balance between a student’s academics and social life. Duran is involved in Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity on campus.
“Study. I know that’s like one of the most basic ones, but do it,” Duran said. “We are here for school at the end of the day. We’re here to get our degree. So the least we can do is like actually do something about it…Don’t only study. If you can make time to be with people and chill, you should also do that.”
Number Two: Don’t get stuck in your dorm room. Duran said she received advice from a University alum that was so influential it has stuck with her since freshman year. The advice she received was to focus on making sure there was balance between all the different aspects of college life. Students should focus on their academics and studying, but only focusing on academics will lead to burn-out.
“Don’t spend too much alone time because you’ll get stuck there,” Duran said.
Number Three: Go crazy. In contrast to her earlier advice on studying and creating a balance, Duran said going crazy isn’t necessarily something that has a negative connotation. It means doing everything you want to the best of your abilities and making sure the experiences you desire are being fulfilled. If there is something a student has been really wanting to do, like swimming at Thousand Hills, then they should take the leap and go for it. She compared this piece of advice to the age-old saying “work hard, play hard.”
Number Four: Be yourself. Duran’s last piece of advice is something students may have always heard, but may still struggle to really integrate within their lives. Comparison can be the thief of joy, but being able to understand oneself and portray their character in their lives is important to establishing happiness, especially in your college years.
“I just feel like it’s easy to, like, see other people and want to be like them and neglect yourself,” Duran said. “But I feel like if you express yourself in a way that’s true to you. It doesn’t matter if it’s weird or if it’s, like, non-confirmative. The people who think you’re cool won’t care. And honestly, I think the weirder the better.”
Students embarking on their next year in their college career and graduates taking their first steps outside of the University may find these tips to be helpful in making sure that they are able to strike a balance in their professional and personal lives.
