Ellett_tom

Dr. Thomas Ellett

on Starting College
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at New York University

Favorite Cheer!

Exclusive Interview

Dr. Thomas Ellett on Starting College

Thomas Ellett, Ph.D., is the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at New York University (NYU) and the president of Thomas Ellett & Partners, a firm dedicated to personal life coaching, professional development seminars and consulting. He has more than 20 years of experience in education and has been invited to speak and consult at such schools as Wesleyan University and The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Ellett tells us why the first 30 days are such a critical time for new college students.

Are there common questions and fears that you hear from students during their first 30 days at college?

“Will I get along with my roommate? Will I be accepted in this community? Will I have friends?” It’s all about connection. That’s the most important thing in the beginning of college. After you settle in, it becomes money: “Can I stay here? Can I pay my bills?” For undergraduates, a third fear is academics. It’s all about connection, then money and academics.

What are some of the emotions associated with starting college?

There’s a lot of anxiety and excitement. Anxiety will accompany the excitement of meeting so many people. Students are bombarded with visual stimuli, new ways of thinking and new ways of dressing. All of those things hitting you in the face can be overwhelming. For a percentage of students, there will be some homesickness as soon as they get in the car.

How can first year students address some of their fears before arriving on campus?

I think that talking with people who have gone to college is helpful. Talk to someone from your high school or a sibling who went previously. Students have more access to social networks today. They are able to connect virtually. Doing virtual tours will let you know what the school is going to look like or perhaps what your RA or room looks like. Students couldn’t do that 10 years ago.

I think it’s less scary to be away now. Today, more students in high school are going abroad. When I was in school, we didn’t do that. Students come to college with more perspective than ever before. The whole moving away thing is different now.

What goals should students establish during the first 30 days?

You need to ask: “What does balance look like to me as it relates to my eating habits, finances and relationships? What do I want them to look like?” Be a little visionary with the end in mind. For some, it might just be surviving away from home or eating food that is different or meeting someone from another religion. Participate in as many social activities as possible. Those who are connected to peer groups are more likely to succeed and graduate than those who aren't—that is common throughout all the research literature.

Should college students establish a routine for their schoolwork and social life?

I believe life is about routine. Real change happens through the establishment of a routine that follows your value set. Promote positive change in your life. Be responsible for your own journey instead of letting change drive you. This is one of the biggest life changes that can take place.

How can students get the most out of their first few days of classes?

Think about your goals and reflect on them. I think you have to practice reflection, whether through spirituality or through nuts and bolts. In the realm of academics a student might think, “I am sitting in this bio lab now. Thought I wanted to be a doctor. I hate this. I can’t do this for the rest of my life.” You have to reflect. Or you might be taking an English class and realize, “I really love this.” Find what really motivates you to be successful and happy.

Does a commuter student face different issues than students living on campus?

As a commuter student, you are at a major disadvantage. There is less of an opportunity to socialize and connect. Sometimes it’s a cost factor, and that’s understandable. I believe it’s best to live on campus and literature supports that idea. Try to get involved in organizations. Try to get involved with others as best you can.

SIGNATURE QUESTIONS

What is the belief you personally go to during times of change?

I have a strong faith sense that supports me through change. I look at change as opportunity. It evolves over time. Even if a change isn’t something you were really looking for, you do get used to it. Sometimes there are opportunities that are really good if you are open to them.

The best thing about change is...

…it allows for a broader perspective of life. The more perspective you have, the more opportunities can occur.

What is the best change you have ever made?

The best change I ever made was becoming a father. I have two wonderful sons who mean the world to me and give me an exciting life. Being a father is a wonderful, wonderful thing.

For more information on Dr. Thomas Ellett, visit www.ellettpartners.com.

ana654

My love life has changed for better since the interference of the most powerful spell caster on earth called Dr.Atase in my relationship, My testimony today is in regard of the help that Dr.Atase render me when my lover departed from me. My name is Anabel from USA and it gives me joy today in writing this testimony as a way of showing my appreciation to Dr.Atase and at the same time i am using this opportunity to advise those that are finding stress and pains in their relationship or marriages to contact Dr.Atase who is the best spell caster in the world through these contact details via email: indiaspelltemple@yahoo.com or his number +2348112796070.Because Dr.Atase is the only one that can restore your marriage or relationship with love. He can also help to win lottery spell,contract,sickness and more.

  • By ana654
  • on 8/7/16 10:31 AM EST
nwesigwa

Hello dear friend,
To love someone is nothing, to be loved by someone is something, to love
someone who loves you is everything. Looking here for everything of my
life, I write some words. I am single and not engaged. I am in search of
true happiness and am hoping the future brings it. I am almost too honest
for my own good - and hate game playing.
nI am trying to handle some pretty encompassing issues in my life... but am
waiting to remain open-minded where the idea of romance exists. I am
looking for Honest, caring, patient, funny and loyal person. A man that
can be himself in the beginning and remain that same person all the way
through to the end of time !
nIf you are willing to love and be loved with your whole heart & willing to
make the people in your life a "solid' part of your soul... then maybe you
and I will connect. We might just have a lot to talk about through my
private e-mailbox(maryluveu@hotmailcom)
my contact info is.
Take care,
Ms mary maryluveu[at]ho/t/m/a/i/l/com