Second-Year Students
Keys to Success
Connection, direction, and reflection are the keys to a successful second year in college. Below is a list of suggestions for how your college student can actively engage in these themes throughout their second year at Shepherd.
Fall on Shepherd’s Campus.
Connection
- Engage in student community service opportunities throughout campus, such as our Alternative Spring Break (ASB) and Relay For Life of Shepherd University.
- This year is an opportunity for college students to step into leadership positions, like serving on the Student Government Association or on the Student Life Council, or join a student organization on campus like Program Board.
- Show your Ram pride by attending a sporting event or participate in an intramural sports team.
- Encourage your student to form study groups and visit with their professors during their office hours to discuss how they’re doing, one-on-one.
Direction
- Work toward achieving better wellness by taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally.
- Make an appointment with the Health Center.
- Visit Counseling Services to discuss how things are going mentally and emotionally with a trained professional. At Shepherd University, we have three different counselors to choose from!
- Exercise at the Wellness Center.
- Explore your career interests by making an appointment with Career Services.
- Declare a major and stay on track by continuing to meet with an academic advisor and check up on your four-year graduation plan.
Reflection
- Step back, relax, and reflect by taking the time to explore our beautiful campus. Take a relaxing walk on the C&O Canal, just minutes away from Shepherd’s campus.
- Practice mindfulness and relieving stress through group meditation during Meditation Mondays.
- Refocus your energy on creativity. Take in live performances through the Performing Arts Series at Shepherd (PASS), visit the art gallery in the Frank Center, or complete any of the many creative events Program Board has to offer.
“Don’t forget to take time for yourself amongst all the things happening in your life! Though you’ll hear it often, these four years truly go by so fast so live in the moment! Have fun with friends, get the most out of your classes, and jump on as many extracurricular activities as you can manage without overloading yourself!”