When I prepared to start my first year at St. Thomas four years ago, I routinely heard the same phrase: “These next couple of years will be the time of your life.” Looking back on how quickly the last four years flew by, I can’t help but go through a checklist of things I did.

Your time at college can be put to great use. There is a laundry list of experiences to have at St. Thomas, and I suggest making the most of your time.

Experiences I had and that you should, too

1. Participate in a college sport
Getting involved with a sport my freshman year was a great way to make friends. I rowed with the crew team through my junior year, and it gave me the opportunity to travel across the country to places such as Boston and Philadelphia. I not only made great friends, I was also able to stave off the freshman 15. As an added bonus, being a part of a team sport in college looks great on a resume.

2. Hold a student leadership position
There are many opportunities to apply for a student leadership position on campus. During my junior and senior year, I was fortunate enough to be a resident adviser on campus. Having a leadership job on campus introduces you to amazing people, gives you a valuable experience and is a great talking point with potential employers. Residence Life is not the only department on campus with positions. St. Thomas has a large number of clubs to get involved with.

3. Go to a Tommie-Johnnie game
Many St. Thomas students think a Tommie-Johnnie game only comes once a year during football season. Though I have experienced the football rivalry, a Tommie-Johnnie game is equally nail-biting in basketball, lacrosse and other sports.

Opportunities I missed that you shouldn’t

1. Live off campus
My experience living on campus has been very rewarding. I have lived in a variety of different dorms and apartments, and each has offered me a different experience. Now that I am moving on to renting a property, I wish I had experienced living off campus. There are many apartments and rental houses around campus.

2. Take advantage of the arts
The arts program at St. Thomas includes this campus and the other ACTC schools. Whether it is performing in a choir or taking in a student show around campus, there are many opportunities to experience the arts St. Thomas has to offer.

3. Holiday meals
During the school year the campus cafeteria hosts holiday meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Every year I told myself I would attend, and every year I missed it. Most students agree the holiday meals are the best dinners on campus, and I would suggest learning from my mistake.

Gina Dolski can be reached at grdolski@stthomas.edu.