Characteristics of Successful Students

We all learn differently. We all approach college with a different set of challenges and experiences. But there are some universal characteristics and traits we can all build in ourselves to ensure we're set up for success in college. Here are a few tips, tricks and traits to consider as you aim to succeed at OCCC (maybe in life, too...):

1. Own Your Experience. You are ultimately the only one responsible for your time here. Ask the questions you need answers to. Get the help you need. Make the experience what you want it to be.
2. Find Your Why. What's your motivation for doing this? Personal fulfillment, financial stability, personal pride, love of learning? Find your motivation and let it drive you forward.
3. Manage Yourself. Plan, schedule, follow through, follow up, measure results, and hold yourself accountable for what needs to be done.
4. Be Interdependent. Self-reliance is valuable, but so is making the choice to invest in mutually-supportive relationships. Find people you can help, and find people who can help you.
5. Have Self-Awareness. If you're stressed, think through why it's happening. If you're not performing well, trace your habits and look for weaknesses. Don't get so caught up in the moment that you can't still learn from it.
6. Believe in Life-Long Learning. Even when the grades stop, learning shouldn't. The skills you gain in college help you learn at every opportunity. Keep using them, and keep finding more opportunities.
7. Have High EQ (Emotional Intelligence). IQ is impressive, but EQ is how you'll rise above. Feel emotions, but manage them in support of your goals; show empathy for others; read the room and serve it well; and don't forget to be kind.
8. Believe in Yourself. Don't forget that regardless of the grades or the degrees, you are enough. Don't forget to love yourself, be yourself and find the good in yourself - then share it with others.