Succeeding in and out of the classroom — my most sincere college advice!

Written by Rhodes Reddick 

As a senior with six college semesters under my belt, I’ve noticed clear trends in when I thrived and when I fell short. While I don’t have a 4.0 GPA, I’ve learned how to balance academics with extracurricular passions, and I believe I can offer valuable insights on managing both. 

Throughout my college career, I have served as a media intern for Capstone Agency, a student-run public relations firm, and worked as an account executive. I am also a member of the Student Executive Council, director of advancement and programming for the executive vice president of the Student Government Association at The University of Alabama, and president of UA PRSSA. 

Here’s the college advice I wish I had followed as a freshman: 

1. Go to class.  

   
   

This tip may sound elementary, but you’d be surprised how many students “ghost” their classes after the first week. Along with the many freedoms associated with being in college, this is likely the first time going to class is optional. It can be tempting to stay in bed and catch up on some sleep or hang out with friends. However, attending your classes is the start of building good habits. It is easier to validate skipping class consistently once you break the ice. 

All of my professors have unique backgrounds and experiences that have shown me different ways to build a career in a distinguished realm of PR or communications. Although there are times when I consider snoozing my alarm and going back to sleep, I’m always reassured that going to class was the better decision once I get there. Plus, when professors recognize your face and effort, they’re often more willing to help when it matters most. 

During my time at UA I've been highly involved with PRSSA and now serve as chapter president. Attending chapter events, such as Dinner & Learns, has provided me with networking and professional development opportunities outside the classroom. 

2. Engage with your classmates and professors. 

I can’t suggest enough the benefits of building friendships or simply introducing yourself to classmates. The further you get in your degree, the smaller your classes are and the more you find yourself sitting across from the same people. So why not introduce yourself? These classmates can become valuable connections for other college opportunities, help you land your first job or even reunite with you as co-workers in 10 years. 

Every professor I’ve had in college has genuinely wanted me to succeed. Whether in their class or professionally, my professors are more than willing to help me make a connection or help me secure an opportunity. 

In my senior year, I was able to attend the C&IS Hall of Fame event. The event celebrated the induction of the late Bob Cohn, Christi Parsons, Dr. Elizabeth Aversa and Dr. Jesse Lewis. 

3. Get involved in activities you are passionate about. 

College is likely the final time in life when there will be student organization fairs and hundreds of clubs with various missions and opportunities. Many clubs are also low-cost or discounted for students. Whether it’s a club sports team or a pre-professional organization, these opportunities can be great networking opportunities or a productive way to spend free time. Although joining a new student body can feel intimidating, it is important to recognize that all organizations (with a few exceptions) are always looking for new faces and new perspectives. If you can accept that you might have an awkward first impression with a grain of salt, you will be ahead of the curve in optimizing the resources available at many higher education institutions. 

College truly flies, and I wish I could begin again at my first club fair. The earlier you plug in and begin recognizing familiar faces, the better! I don’t think you’ll regret it. These pieces of advice certainly helped me attain my scholarship and internship with the Cahaba River Society. If it weren’t for a pre-existing faculty relationship, I likely wouldn’t have been considered for the opportunity. My professors and classmates have exponentially enhanced my student experience and supported me both directly and indirectly. 

Through classmate connections and networking opportunities, I discovered KC Projects and was fortunate enough to intern with them during my fall semester. I was able to develop media lists using Cision, schedule social media using Later and design graphics and copy for 14 clients. 

I was once told most organizations in college are like a car; they can take you places, but you have to drive them. The University of Alabama has more than 650 organizations that can develop your interests and passions. However, you have to make the effort to maximize the benefits. An acceptance is just the starting point of your journey, and a rejection is just a roundabout pointing you in another direction.