The College Maxing Guide – My Parting Advice

My advice for future Cleveland State students and a reflection on my college experience.

Written by Andrew Paduano

There are times when you want to convey something, but there are just too many things to say.

This is one of those times.

As I write this, it’s during my last month of classes – the final act. The final grand encore of exams are peaking over the horizon like a gladiator awaiting its worthy opponent.

I do not yet have the sacred wisdom a bachelor’s graduate is bestowed the moment they are handed their diploma. I do not know how my thoughts will change then.What I do have though, is advice nonetheless. I’m quite the reflective person on the inside and have accumulated a wealth of knowledge throughout my five year journey, whether that be through professors, speakers, books, fellow students, even therapy. 

My Advice

As I near the end of my last semester, I’m left with a bittersweet feeling all around. There are an abundance of things I will talk about that I wanted to do differently, but didn’t. And I’ve learned to accept that. I don’t like to think I regret anything – things happen for reasons. There are also many things I’m glad I chose to do. At the end of the day, I will cherish much of my time at CSU.

I had a fractured high school experience; almost half of it was spent during the lockdown and I missed out on high school adventures many people have. All advice I give (and what others give) are all from our own perspectives.

How you apply that advice is up to you. 

Everything Is A Process

When you’ve built up a plethora of scenarios in your head, you’re acting on things you don’t yet know. College is an extremely dynamic place and you simply will not know how things play out, with others and yourself, so be open-minded.

You have a great amount of options flying around everywhere. It is inevitable that you will compare yourself to others. Just know that every person has a completely different set of circumstances that has led them to any given moment; comparing yourself is vain.

Know that every single college student feels similarly at some point, no matter their accomplishments or what they say. 

Every. Single. One.

Coming back full circle with my first ever article here, I wrote about systems thinking. What you see as someone else’s effortless accomplishment has likely taken thousands of decisions, influences and behind-the-scenes effort over time you would never think about.

Think of most things as experiments rather than tests — be foolish.

Your Perception and Your Reactions Determine Your Reality

As “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey discusses, the way you view situations will influence every thought and action. Look deep into yourself, what about your perception and past would make you think the way you do? Every one has the option to create a gap between a stimulus and their response. Do not automatically react to things that happen to you. Rather, wait and choose how you want to react. 

In other words, be proactive about what you can control.

Your Basic Functions Are Important

Your sleep, diet, physical activity, mental health and life habits are all factors that will heavily affect one another and your perceptions. Finding some way to stay organized is a must. Also plan ahead and look back on each week, reflecting.

At least getting the basics down will keep you miles ahead.

Do Things That Seem Out-of-Reach

The extremely high-tension situation around your first years going into college can make you feel overwhelmed. 

Many students are hesitant to approach that person, join that group, attend that event, have one-on-one talks with that professor, contact that “hard-to-reach-person” – take that leap. It will feel awkward and difficult. Sometimes, things may not work out. You have to push through that feeling and treat things as experiments. 

My advice is always test your question. Better that, than to ask it all your life.

Prioritize Relationships and Connections 

Likely the most enjoyable moments you have in college will be with others. These years are one of the – perhaps the – richest times to be with other people going through the same life stages. Prioritize spending time with others. 

Many college students make connections simply for-the-moment. There’s nothing wrong with that and finding people you can build long-lasting, strong relationships with is one of college's best gifts. The people you surround yourself with will influence everything…good or bad.

Do not be afraid to follow up with people and initiate. Be curious. Start that conversation with the stranger. 

Your luck is influenced by the proactive actions you take.

The Dynamics of Cleveland State University

Cleveland State is a great school. There are plenty of good academic programs, which cover a decent amount of their respective majors. Almost all of my professors have been nothing but great and helpful here, not something every college can say. There is a good amount of resources for new students to have a more affordable education and make Cleveland-adjacent connections.

That said…the school is built for commuters. 

It’s a simple reality that you should know going into your journey here. Making friends and campus life may be more sparse than other four-year colleges, especially if you’re a commuter.

Along with the previously mentioned advice, here are some ways to CSU-Max your experience:

• Find a major that prioritizes group work and in-person classes; many of my marketing classes were more independent and only offered online.

• If you can manage it, do your best to find decent near-campus housing with roommates and/or live through that first year on-campus.

• Join some organizations you genuinely enjoy being in.

• Sometimes, rather than drive right back home, stay for a bit and do your work in a common area, or even in a local coffee shop around Cleveland.

• Create something: Make that film, explore that business idea, start that personal project.

Here is some advice gathered from other fellow CSU students graduating this spring:

Sofia Dembek — Graphic Design Major

“My advice for incoming freshmen would be to take every opportunity that comes your way.

Build strong connections with your professors and mentors, and don't be afraid to try new things. Also, join a club – it's one of the best ways to meet people and get involved.”

Ellie McKibbin — Finance Major

“Do the thing that’s outside of your comfort zone. What’s the worst that can happen? You won’t know if you don’t try and it will likely be new for a lot of the people around you as well!” 

Emiliano Hernandez-Rios — Art Design Major

“My piece of advice for upcoming freshmen coming to CSU is to take advantage of the events and programs within CSU’s creative community. Those spaces are where opportunities and connections really begin.” 

Devyn Etling — Health Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy Major

“Live out each of your experiences to their fullest potential; college is going to be exactly what you make of it so explore new academic avenues and most importantly, have fun!”

Jackson Perisutti — Urban Studies Major

"Always be networking and take advantage of any networking event no matter how inconsequential it may seem. The professionals in your field want to see you succeed. There is nothing better for your career than being known!”

Closing Thoughts

We do not yet know what will unfold in CSU’s vision of the future, or college in general for that matter. The advice from this article is designed to hold regardless of what else changes.

Watch the entire “Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address” on YouTube. Trust me.

In college, you may notice people have an either/or mindset of: you have to literally sacrifice everything to follow your dreams or you have to be realistic and get a stable career.

Guess what? 

...

You don’t have to choose one. Nothing is stopping you from creating your own solutions.