Interview and analysis about college lifestyle and how to be successful.

1. Before one begins college, everyone: teachers, mentors, family, etc. tries to give you
advice on what to expect from college/how to prepare yourself for your new academic
environment. From speaking with JD, his advice in regards to what he would have wanted to
know about the academic demands of college before beginning his academic career would have
been to “understand how much work you have to put into all of your classes, especially playing
basketball.” High school is a stepping stone that while yes it prepares you for college; nothing
truly prepares you for what will be demanded of you in the classroom as much as your first
semester. JD further explained that, with all the different schedules college athletes have to
adjust to, “you are constantly responsible for making time for your homework and studying.”
Another piece of advice JD had was to gain a mentor outside of your “normal group”. Whether
that be a true “grown up” in the working world, or a Graduate Assistant on campus. Someone
who could give advice from a different perspective.
While reflecting on his academic career, I asked JD if given the chance to go back and
change anything in relation to his academic career, what would it be? His response was simply,
“If given the chance I would go back and study a lot more, so I would know more about my
classes.” This really resonated with me due to the fact that I don’t feel as though high school
truly taught me how to study. Knowing this, and hearing that from JD, I will definitely have to
make more of an effort to assure that I figure out a way to study that is best suited for me, so I
am able to excel in all of my classes. Whether that be in study groups, independently, etc. I want
to make sure I am taking advantage of the advice being given. This also tied into our
conversation about how in looking back, JD realizes he never took advantage of professor’s
“open door policies”. Sure you’re always told to come by during office hours, but how many
students really take advantage of that? In thinking about this, why not? Why not go develop a

2. relationship with your professor? Why not ask questions to gain a better understanding? Why not
be more than a student who takes up a seat 2-3 times a week? If given the opportunity to go
back and do things over in regards to his academic experience, JD said, “I would change how I
studied, and how I prepared myself for all my classes, and get out of my comfort zone.” In
reflecting on his response I realized how easy it is to get wrapped up in the monotonous routine
that can be college, and get comfortable. I’ve never been one to thrive on routines, in fact having
my day “planned” for me is one of the things that has been the hardest to adjust to. I realize now
after us talking, I need to be more open to finding a balance to JD’s advice and my own, and
hopefully this will allow me out of my own personal comfort zone.
Success is a term known by many; however, defined differently by all. According to JD,
in order for one to be successful in college, “it’s not how much knowledge you have, but how
open you are to gaining it?” At first his response took me off guard. But then, after thinking
about it I realized, college is a time of growth. A time when one can reinvent themselves and
open themselves up to new people, methods, etc. It’s all about how flexible you are willing to be
in the next 4 years. JD also said, “time management is a must.” Being a college athlete is like
having a full time job. You have no say so in your daily routine as far as when practice is, etc. So
knowing ahead of time that you are going to have a full day, makes it even more important to
manage your time effectively so you are able to be successful both in the classroom and on the
court.
Diversity in college opens a door that some have never been exposed to. Unfortunately,
before college we tend to stick to what we know and what we’re comfortable with in regards to
friends, family, school groups, etc. However, in college, you are exposed to a different side of
society that many of us have never been apart of. According to JD, in order to be successful

3. when it comes to diversity on campus, “you have to take advantage of the chance to meet people
who can change your perspective.” For probably the first time in your life you are now in a
situation where you are exposed to more than you ever have been in the past, and this new
experience has the ability to change your life. We live in a forever changing world, and being
open to the diversity offered on a college campus gives you insight on what life will be like in
the “real world”.
A lot of what JD said in our interview is what every parent, teacher, adult etc. says before
you come to college. “Make sure you study”. “Manage your time wisely.” “It’ll be the fastest
four years of your life”. But coming from him, someone still in college, his words seem to mean
a little more. From what we’ve discussed in class, as well as what JD explained to us, the biggest
advice taken from this interview, is to stay on top of your business. For the most part we agree
with with JD’s advice. I think the emphasis he put on studying and preparing for your classes are
crucial at the collegiate level. The amount of knowledge you are expected to absorb in a short
period of time is completely different to anything you were exposed to at the high school level. I
agree with 100% of what JD said in our interview. I think gaining the perspective of an
upperclassman has been beneficial on my approach to classes this summer, which will carry over
to my classes this fall, and the rest of my college career. For whatever reason, words from
someone who’s been there/done that, always seem to hit closer to home, and I hope that I
continue to use him as a mentor, to seek advice, to be willing to ask questions, etc. Through all
of this I hope it will help only enhance my success over the next 4 years.