Saying goodbye to your parents, walking onto the college campus for the first time, and now facing a host of new situations, you may sometimes feel a bit like a first-grader. I’ve been there. As a sophomore, I hope that you will take the following suggestions to heart as you enter college life.

1. Learn to be independent. You are no longer a child and, as an adult, you must learn to take care of yourself.

2. Use these four years to figure out who you are and who you want to be. Choose classes and organizations you like and which promise to expand your knowledge and experience.

3. Practice good self-study habits. Your success at NIT depends on your own efforts -- day by day, semester by semester.

4. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. Recall the saying, “Man errs so long as he strives.”

5. Dare to be different. Be passionate about your life! You never know what you can accomplish until you try.

6. Face life with a smile. When you look back in the future, these years may prove to be the happiest of your life.

7. Live courageously. Keep your chin up, even when you encounter difficulties.

8. Keep in close touch with your family and friends. It is they who will always truly care about you in this world.

9. Cherish each day. Spend your precious time doing what you love – living, learning and growing.