Ok, well I got an e-mail from what will be a first year CTYer, and he had asked me for tips on CTY, like what to bring, what's everyone like, what should I avoid, etc. Well that gave me an idea, far be it from me to deny anyone my tips, and lessons I've learned. So I figured, why not put them on my page? Well here are some of the things, I told him, call it advice if you will...
1. Be yourself, always. - I learned this the hard way, my first week of CTY. The people there want to know you for you, dont try to be someone, or act in a different way than you usually do. You might even find a side of yourself that you really like- just by not worrying about what people think of you.
2.The cafeteria food is not the greatest meal you will ever have- always bring junk food with you-or arrange frequent trips to Turkey Hill (the local convience store) with your RA and hall.
3. Have fun- some of the classes are hard, and can be stressful. But always at the end of the day have fun. Be sociable during quad time- take time to laugh and enjoy yourself. The first year you may go there to learn, but the reason 99% of kids go back is for the social aspect. You will make life long friends if you again have fun and enjoy yourself.
4. Always pack the things you're not sure if you need, like an umbrella or that yearbook from school, or sunscreen. Take for instance last year, I didn't bring an umbrella, because the weather had been beatiful. Go figure possible tornado like storms should enter the area, causing days of horrible drenching rain, which got us out of study hall one day.
5. If you go expecting to have the worst time of your life, you will. On the other hand, a good outlook can make you cherish your time there, and not want to ever leave. Mindset is everything, it can make or break your time there. Let it be the best time of your life.
Ok, I'm done rambling atleast for now, I'll probably have more when I come back after first session. Why you ask? How could you learn more you think? Well every year, I learn more, I become more open to new things and new people. Maybe i've matured because of CTY, maybe I just found that mature side underneath it all...
© 1997 tallone14@aol.com
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