Welcome to college, and congratulations on taking the next step in your future!

Getting to college takes energy and determination, and sometimes a bit of luck and good timing. That part is behind you.
Now that you are here, what do you do next? What is in front of you?

Your future, and you get to design and create it for yourself.

People come to college for many reasons and from many backgrounds. Some come to college because they have a clear path forward and know that a college degree is the next step on that path to the future. Others come to college because they know that a degree is important, but they are not sure of what they want for their future. Some students come to college because their parents and teachers have told them to do so. I’ve heard students say they chose college because they wanted a career where they could balance personal and work and because they’ve seen parents work 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet. I’ve met students who return to college after years in the workforce to finish a promise they made to themselves. I’ve met students who have chosen to complete their degree to further their careers. I’ve also met students who choose college because they aren’t sure of anything, and college seems like the best option they had.

Whatever the reason, people come to college for better.
To be better, know more, be ready to change the world and the lives of people they care about.

We—your faculty included—are all here because we believe in the idea of better and that learning is the way to a better future.

This book was written because of what my students told me- the brilliant, capable, wonderful students I’ve spent my career learning from. As much as I hope they’ve learned with me, I have learned as much or more from them. I’ve listened, and hope that this book captures the things that my students want you to know as you begin your college journey.

The 10 things in this book are meant to help you explore your campus, design your education, and get to know yourself and what you want from your life in a deep and meaningful way. It will hopefully help you to know where to answer your questions, on your college campus as you start your first year. You’ll find many resources on the specifics about college and the skills you need to build; this guide is meant to help you find the questions you need to ask.

Welcome to college- how will you change the world?

-Dr. Bridget Lepore