Welcome to Bulls Country. If you’re reading this, you might be attending first-year Orientation. Or you might just be exploring ways to make the most of your college career. Well, USF is an incredible place to begin. You can read all the great stats on the USF home page — about how we’re a top research university, how we unite roughly 45,000 students across four campuses and how we stay current with the ever-changing world around us with the latest technologies and safety initiatives. All of that is incredible! It’s one of the many reasons why I chose USF to call home. But I want to give you my personal advice on your time here.
I’m going in to my fourth and final year at USF. Although I began as a pre-med major, I am now majoring in public relations. And one of the most important things I learned: don’t freak out if you don’t know your major, or don’t have this elaborate life plan set in place. Just pursue your passions, find what you really enjoy and surround yourself with great people. Everything will fall into place. It’s insane how it works. No joke.
Get involved. They tell you that at orientation; take them seriously! I was an Orientation Team Leader the summer after my freshman year. The year before, I was the quiet one who didn’t want to play “Birdie on a Perch” or any of those other stupid “team-building” exercises. The following summer, I was the one leading those team-building exercises. What did I learn that year? Be who you are. Be confident in your own self-identity. Have fun, and don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself. You know what makes this world go ’round? Relationships. I led those team-building activities because I had realized just how important the TEAM is.
Freshman year: I joined Surf Club. I participated in Dance Marathon. I interviewed at every on-campus job possible. Take initiative and get out there. Don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. Next thing I know — I was President for Surf Club, and now I’m a supervisor for USF Sport Clubs, overseeing about 10 sport clubs. And I’m getting paid. I’m also leading USF’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, a great opportunity as I start thinking about graduation. Plus, I really like letting everyone else know how awesome PRSSA is!
The hard work will pay off. The more you do, the more you get involved, the more you will discover your passions and what you enjoy. And meet other like-minded people. Just put your entire heart, soul and mind to it and you will succeed. Yes, it may take a few all-nighters, but try to avoid those. I passed out once from being too busy. Not fun. Staying healthy is another top-priority.
If I can be of any help, shoot me an message. Or if you just wanna say “What up?” that’s cool too. We’re all a part of the Bulls family. I’m on Twitter at http://twitter.com/rmhines and have my website up at http://rmhines.com.