Honest advice

Every year, some well-meaning colleague asks for volunteers to give a pep talk at the local high schools about college life, and every year, I refuse to do it.  For once, my actions are not out of laziness or any other excuses I can muster.  The reason I won't participate is because my advice regarding college will be brutally honest, and I'm sure the college would be none to happy to have me voice said advice.  Sure, most of what I say will be negative.  But, I wish someone had mentioned that negative stuff to me at some point.  I may not have listened at the time, but the comments would be out there, buried deep in my brain.

1.  Yes, college provides you with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, experience the new, and meet others outside your social bubble.  But, first and foremost, you are in college to learn.  If you are not willing to do the work, why are you in college?
2. Assignments are not about you: what you want to write about, what you want to do.  Assignments are about proving to your instructor that you have acquired said knowledge/skills he/she is presenting to you.  (And, stop writing in the first person, unless you are writing for a creative writing course.  It's still not about you.)
3.  You will have to take classes in which you have no interest.  This is part and parcel of a BA/AA.  A well-rounded education is part of the degree.  If you just wanted to learn content based on your interests, go and get yourself certified in that area.  Quit whining.
4.  You are an adult.  This isn't high school.  You will need to complete work as expected, be on time, stay for the full time, track your grades (so there are no surprises), and swallow your pride and ask for help.  The last one is very important.  Don't wait until the last minute to get help.  If you are struggling, ask your professor.  Go to the Writing Center/Tutoring Lab.  I am happy to help, but I will not hold your hand.
5.  Professors are human, too.  Yes, we make mistakes.  If we do, it's fine to call us on it.  But, do it privately or offline.  We will be much more appreciative and receptive if you do this in a courteous manner.  Blasting us in a public forum will cause us to be less sympathetic to your request to be absent to take your dog to the vet.
6. Critical feedback regarding assignments is not a personal attack on your character.  (Again, it's not about you.)  Feedback is designed to improve the quality of the work.  I don't hate you; I have issues with the writing submitted.
7.  Speak up!  If you are passive during a class, the class will be boring.  Do the reading ahead of time.  Come prepared with questions and insights.  There shouldn't be any awkward pauses as the professor awaits some kind of response.
8.  Keep your eyes on the prize.  What is the ultimate goal of earning that degree?