<p>This post was originally published on Joe’s Musings.</p>
<p>Your college years are a time to learn about yourself. It saddens me when I observe students waste their precious time on activities that will not result in growth, happiness, and prosperity. Here are 12 decisions wise college students make. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>The right major for you
Before you can select the right college major, you must first know yourself. Persistent introspection will help you develop a stronger sense of yourself. If you are undecided on a major, take an entry level course in a subject that interests you. Dont let anyone decide your major for you. Ask yourself the following questions:
What do I enjoy?<br>
What gifts I do possess?<br>
What gets me excited?
What fascinates me?
What am I passionate about?</p></li>
<li><p>Embrace troubles as a part of growing
Mistakes and hardship teach you important lessons. There will be times when the breaks dont roll your way. Expect to feel overwhelmed during finals week. Prepare to feel completely unprepared. Some days are diamonds, some days are coal, but every day is a golden opportunity to learn and positively impact the people around you. </p></li>
<li><p>Manage time well
Life consists of time. If you waste time, you squander life. Smart college students manage time well and spend time acquiring knowledge and experiences. Separating the important from the unimportant can be difficult in a world replete with distractions, but it is an ability that is extremely useful. Schedule time for yourself to relax and breathe. </p></li>
<li><p>Understand why you are in college
Create the richest experience possible for yourself, but remember to have a reason for being there beyond having a good time. </p></li>
<li><p>Meet people from vastly different backgrounds
If the opportunity presents itself, study abroad. Interacting with people from cultures other than your own gives you a worldly perspective. Expose yourself to music, food, and customs other than what you are accustomed to. Listen to their stories. Youll find that despite disparate upbringings, you have a lot in common with your fellow human beings. As Henry Rollins says, All everyone really wants is a fist full of fifties and a day without fear. </p></li>
<li><p>Spend time with the right people
College is too short for toxic relationships. The best students build relationships that will last for a lifetime. Avoid needless drama and those who create it. Surround yourself with people that make you happy. If theres someone in your life who is dragging you down, it might be time to let go. Saying goodbye is hard, but from time to time its necessary. </p></li>
<li><p>Excel at what you do
Overachievers have a habit of spreading themselves too thin. Take on a select few challenges, but do not overburden yourself with too many commitments and obligations. Excel at whatever you do on campus and develop a quality reputation for yourself. </p></li>
<li><p>Learn, dont memorize
Professionals are paid to solve complex problems. Rote memorization is inefficient way to input information into your mind. Truly understand what is presented to you. Learn how to learn. Its not important that you remember every piece of information. What matters is acquiring the ability to think critically and creatively. </p></li>
<li><p>Nurture relationships with everyone
Build your professional network early. Reach out to professors, teaching assistants, classmates, and even the administrative staff. Visit the career services office and start planning your future. You never know what lessons and opportunities new people have to offer. </p></li>
<li><p>Develop skill sets
Unlike natural ability, you must work to acquire skills. There are hundreds of opportunities to be a student leader. Seize one of them. Focus on transferable, indispensable skills like written and oral communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. </p></li>
<li><p>Ask plenty of questions
If you dont understand something, ask questions until you comprehend. That moment when something clicks in your mind will make the process of inquiry worth the effort. </p></li>
<li><p>Call your mother regularly. 
Make time for the person that brought you into this world. A loving mother and father are worth their weight in gold.</p></li>
</ol>