Disclaimer: Anything written in this blog represents the opinions of the author, and no one else. Each blog is written lightly, and is not intended to offend any of the mentioned businesses, locations, students, or staff.

So, I have a new obsession. I am engrossed with the concept of astrology and horoscope signs. How interesting is it that our personalities and our day-to-day events can be predicted based on the time, date, and place that we were born?! I find it completely fascinating.

Upon doing my own research on astrology and horoscopes, I have found that there are many other ways to categorize us as people, as well. I have decided that there are three different kinds of people in this world as I have witnessed thus far in my 19 years of life. I have categorized everyone into three different genres or “types” of people according to the way that they start their day; their breakfast.

First, there are those who run too late in the morning to have breakfast. They may roll out of bed and leave the house in pajamas or they may wake up just in time to perfect an outfit. Either way, this type of person does not leave time for the miniscule things such as breakfast. They are the fast-thinkers and the go-getters. Although they don’t always pay attention to details, such as eating breakfast, they have a much better idea of the larger picture than most. They may not appear to be the geniuses of the crowd, but they are the kind of people who end up making the biggest moves in life.

Secondly, there are those who eat something small in the morning. Not too much, but just enough. They make have some yogurt, and apple, or even toast or a bowl of cereal. This way, they are prepared for the day and won’t get that mid-morning stomach growl before they have even really gotten the chance to start their day. Not only are these kinds of people conscious of their hunger and health, but they like to give themselves time to prepare for events, whether they be small like going to class or bigger such as preparing for an important job interview. Procrastination is natural on occasion, but in order to keep their life on track – and they will – they prefer to prepare properly as to not be caught off guard.

Third, there are the people who prefer to go all out with the start of their morning. The honor breakfast as being important and choose to eat substantial meals such as pancakes, shakes, egg sandwiches, or yogurt parfaits. Although substantial, their breakfast isn’t necessarily heavy. This is metaphoric to their lives. Although they work hard, they aren’t necessarily the people who end up with their dream job or life, but are the people who earn their position and watch out for themselves and their future. It’s easy to judge these people as being pretentious or too conscious, but they simply prefer to be safe. This quality ends up not only helping them, but also those around them.

As with most horoscopes, predictions, and descriptions, my “types” are not spot-on. They very well may be quite the opposite. Sometimes I find myself being a small morning eater, and sometimes I find myself a big morning eater. Nothing is black and white. These types are not judgments, but instead they provide insight from my experiences. As goofy as it may sound, you can learn a whole lot more from the small things than we choose to admit.

Disclaimer: Anything written in this blog represents the opinions of the author, and no one else. Each blog is written lightly, and is not intended to offend any of the mentioned businesses, locations, students, or staff.

Phew. I think my face is still flushed. There is absolutely nothing easy about speaking in front of a large crowd. I will say, though, it is quite rewarding once the feeling comes back to your stomach.

Last year at this time I would have never thought that I would be speaking at orientation to incoming Manning School of Business students. For all I knew, I would be transferring schools at this point, or worse, dropping out of college.

It wasn’t so bad, though – both completing my freshman year of college as well as speaking in front of 60 eager yet slightly disengaged incoming freshman about my year. Still, there are a few things that I would have liked to emphasize in my presentation that time did not allow.

First, let socializing happen naturally. Two best fiends later and one W (withdrawal) on my transcript later, I will suggest that you let your social life happen as it will. Yes, it is important (even though your parents may say otherwise) but no, it does not decide your fate (although it will definitely decide who you sit next to in class and who may or may not cheat off of your Calculus exam in the Fall – it will happen.)

Second, mo’ money, fewer problems. Although, the saying is formally mo’ money mo’ problems (mo’ meaning more), this is not the case in college. Picking up a job with your free time will not only supply you with a few extra bucks for whatever you may want when at school (well, maybe not whatever you want…), but I will also ease your parents mind as you transition into your first year away from home. A job represents stability and will help in the effort of keeping your parents off your back while you’re away.

And third, ask for help. Just do it. Swallow your pride and ask the hundreds of questions that are floating around in your head. Whether you ask your uninterested Western Civilization professor or that cute kid that you always see in the hallway on Tuesdays, it’s important to stay informed. It’s better to ask a stupid question than it is to embarrass yourself by acting on your own stupidity that came from not knowing the answer.

That being said, my Freshman Year Wisdom has come to a close. Feel free to ask me, or anyone who is a part of the Manning School of Business any question at any time. Also, remember to Like the Manning School of Business on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter @UMassLowell_MSB for more tips, event information, important dates, blogs, and just overall pretty cool stuff. Good luck and go get ‘em freshmen.