Learning Curve: Technology

I would probably die if you took away my ipod & laptop. It's sad that I'm so attached to these items, but they are my lifelines. I've never been much of a phone person. Instant messengers became my lifeline as a kid and they continue to be the way I keep in touch with all my friends living across the U.S. and even the world. Modern technology is a blessing in disguise for the college student. I'm sure some of you are getting ready to be away from your family & friends for the first time in your life. While this can be a really hard time and a difficult adjustment, here's a few ideas for keeping in touch with all those important people while away from home...

1. Set up an account on a social networking site: I would recommend getting an account on a site that all of your friends are already using. Most of you probably have a Facebook or Myspace (or both!), but if you don't, go ahead and sign up for one. They're free and a great way to stay in touch with people. Not only will your old high school friends start looking for you, but the people you live with in your dorm and have class with will want to add you as friends.

2. Laptop/printer: Getting to the library might be easy, but if you wait until the last minute (like me & a lot of other college students) to print off that paper due before class, it's going to be near impossible to get a computer in the lab. Also, it's really annoying to go in to the computer lab to do work and see 8-10 people checking their Facebook/Myspace accounts when I need the computer to actually do work. I know that not everyone can go to school with their own laptop/printer, but it's worth talking to your parents about. The benefits will outweigh the cost in the long run. Besides, it's all for your education and they want you to get the best one possible right?

3. ipod/MP3 players: I don't know what I would have done without my ipod last year. It was honestly the best gift I ever bought myself. It kept me busy while walking to and from classes, was great for an excuse to ignore my roommate, or just a relaxing escape at the end of a long day.

4. Webcam: My sister got one towards the end of the school year. I loved it. I hadn't seen my family in a few months, so to have her turn in on and be able to actually see all of them was really nice. A lot of laptops come with webcams already installed in them. If that's an option when buying your laptop, I would highly recommend it. Webchatting is quickly becoming the next big thing with the help of websites like Skype that allow you to make video calls with other users for free.

5. Cell Phone: Make sure you know all the details of your plan: when nights & weekends start, how many text you can send in a month, stuff like that. Sit down with mom & dad to discuss all of this. It's not fun to get a call from home saying that you've gone over your text limit.

Try to make some sort of contact with home at least once a week. The family will love to hear how life is going for you and you'll want to hear all about the marching contest you missed or how basketball practice is going.

Quote to live by: "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done." -Longfellow