USF Bullbits

As I write this, I have iTunes open. I’m listening to Jack’s Mannequin The Glass Passenger. I’m also doing research for a pitch letter — an assignment for my internship. I’m also talking to the Sport Clubs Coordinator about arranging an interview to hire our new Sport Clubs Intern. Sound like a lot? Well, it’s really not that bad. But possibly one of the greatest things that you’ll learn as you transition into the University of South Florida: how to manage your time appropriately.

For me, I like being busy. I can often accomplish a lot more when I have more tasks to cross off my to-do list. The adrenaline starts pumping and I just get on a roll. But no matter your style, you will need to learn how to manage time. You might have done this in high school as well. But with a campus of nearly 40,000 students at Tampa alone and roughly 500 student organizations, there is an incredible amount of people to meet and an incredible opportunity for involvement. With all these choice, you’ll need to prioritize and figure out what works best for you.

Like I said in my last post, start exploring the possibilities. This is how you’ll begin to discover what you enjoy, what you’re passionate about, what others think and ways to get plugged in to the university. And there’s no reason not to: Week of Welcome. This event — which is actually longer than a week — showcases many of the student organizations with great events, activities and FREE food. You won’t want to miss it.

Hope Orientation is going well!

Also, to help with the transition is New Student Connections. You’ll also be able to reach out to your Orientation Team Leader as a resource. And your Resident Assistant if you’re living on campus. By the way, if you’re not living on campus and this is your first year — what are you thinking?! First-year students definitely should live on campus. It’s an incredible opportunity to meet your peers, and you’ll transition into the university with much more confidence and excitement than if you live off-campus.

Be open-minded. Many students are coming to USF right after graduating high school. For most, it’s brand new, and most students don’t know each other. Everyone is eager to make friends and wants to be a part of something, they want to feel included. Take a step outside of your comfort zone, and meet everyone you possibly can.

That’s all I’ve got for now. More advice on transitioning to come. I’ve tried to summarize some of the major points. And, as always, if you have any questions, you can email me at rmhines@mail.usf.edu. Or read more at http://rmhines.com.

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.

My name is Spence Southard, I am a junior at the University of South Florida. I came to USF intending to be a business major, but chose instead to become a mass communications major and couldn’t be happier about my decision. I am focusing on advertising and am looking forward to starting my major classes this summer.

Moving to USF has been an amazing experience for me. I have gained many professional and personal skills that I believe are extremely valuable, all in only two short years. By far my greatest experience at this university has been my experience as an Orientation Team Leader for the summer of 2009.

When I had applied for the job as an OTL I was a very shy, quiet freshmen and by the end of the summer, I had matured into a student leader on campus. My experience with Orientation brought me out of my shell (so to speak) and really made me appreciate and enjoy my time here at the university. I got to meet, live and work along-side of 40 of the most amazing people I have ever met and I became the best of friends with every one of them.

My dive into the leadership position of an OTL greatly improved my own confidence and feeling of purpose here. Twice a week for the entire summer, I was a role model to 15 college freshmen that looked up to me for advice and leadership. This brought out qualities in me that I cherish to this day.

Getting involved in this way has greatly enriched my college experience and will for my remaining two years at USF. No summer will ever compare to my summer as an OTL.