A few months ago I had to explain to a college sophomore how
to send a document through the mail. True story. I thought the student was
joking. It was serious. I had to explain that they had to go to the post office
(we had to google the closest location), buy a stamp and put it in the mail.
I
was shocked that this college student really had no idea how use the US postal
system. That reminded me things that young people should know how to do in
order to thrive and most importantly so someone doesn’t write about them in a
blog.
- Make an appointment and refill a prescription – mom and dad won’t be there forever to make doctors’ appointments for you and get your medication.
- Basic apartment, dorm or house maintenance – for complicated things you need to call the maintenance office at your dorm or your landlord, but if all you need to do is replace a lightbulb, please know how to do that.
- Laundry – I have ruined many clothing items thinking that I can just stuff everything in one load. Most recently, I put a fuzzy blanket in with a towel…the towel was ruined. Fuzz everywhere.
- Use public transportation – leave Uber or Lyft alone every once in a while and find out what the bus schedule is and use it.
- Networking, start a conversation with someone of any age – you will meet so many interesting people if you just know how to start a conversation with someone. Overcome your shyness and talk to people.
- Answering email and voicemails – people send you emails and leave you voicemails for a reason: they need to get in touch with you. When you answer an email, please remember to be professional, courteous and remember that you’re not responding to a friend’s text. Listen to your voicemails and respond to them as soon as you can, the person calling can be a potential job or internship or your mom.
- Keep important documents – tax returns, w2’s, bank statements, check stubs. Keep all these documents, you never know when/if they’re going to be needed.
- Basic car maintenance – I personally, am guilty of not knowing much about car maintenance other than putting gas and taking it in for an oil change. Knowing how to change a tire or putting air in a tire is useful information.
- Learn to be alone – find peace in your solace. Being alone is the best way to get to know yourself. Enjoy your time by yourself.
Lupe Hernanez - ICAN Coralville and Davenport Centers
