It is now the third week of the semester and time to get serious with your classes .

Even if this is your first semester, going to college is a life-changing decision that requires a lot of planning and much thought.

However, all too often, people make the quick decision to go to college and end up skipping classes, receive failing grades and compromise their chances for a better future.

Making the decision to attend college is not easy and requires responsibility, diligence and above all else, motivation.

Two big questions you should ask yourself now are, “why am I here in college”? and “what do I want to achieve once I graduate?”

If you don’t have a plan, goal or even know why you decided to come to college, you need to figure them out soon.

Whether you are fresh out of high school or a 35-year-old mother of two, it is never too late to decide to go to commit to a college education.

Despite the idea that college should be completed within a certain time frame, you must set your own pace and dedicate yourself to what your goals are.

It’s important to take a step back and evaluate yourself as an individual and consider all the educational options you have as an adult. There are many alternatives available beside your “traditional” college atmosphere – which sometimes are greatly overlooked.

Factors that should be considered are figuring out the career path you would like to venture into, the idea of possibly moving, your employment options and financial circumstances.

Ultimately, choosing to attend a trade school, community college, state university or a private institution are questions that should be answered before making the big decision .

Although some people know what they want to achieve in life, most do not. Having a college plan allows you to not only focus in certain core areas but also enables you some time to explore your options.

In college, exploring is a great way to tailor your personal choices that could possibly affect the path you chose for your future. Although “exploring” in college is such a vague term, it can sometimes entail much more than intended.

Of course, college is a time to explore various subjects and expand your hobbies and social activities. However, avoid excesses such as parties, drugs and sex which are often associated with going to college.

It would be wise to explore your choices by taking elective classes, becoming a club officer or maybe even joining your student government.

It’s up to you to review what is beneficial for you to delve into in college and it is up to you to build a college experience for yourself, thus creating a solid college resume.

Some students choose to get their bachelor’s degree or doctorate degree while others plan to become certified in a specific trade or skill. Depending on what you’re going for and what benefits you would like to achieve, your expected “time frame” varies.

You, the student, must be the one to motivate yourself to achieve your goals. That motivation might mean seeking help when you are having trouble in your classes. The college has many available resources to ensure student success.

The Tutorial Center on campus offers tutors in subjects ranging from accounting and anthropology to Spanish and statistics.

If you start to feel the slightest bit behind in a class, take advantage of the free tutoring available through the tutorial center.

Another great tool is the Writing and Reading Center. If you’re having trouble with a reading assignment or putting a paper together, this is the place to go. The Online Writing Center is also available. Be sure to check the college’s website for availability.

Take advantage of the numerous opportunities in your classes. Certain instructors give opportunities for extra credit; grab them.

Also, there are workshops designed to help you complete your work. These workshops cover everything from writing in MLA format to writing good thesis statements. Those 50 minutes can change everything and may make the difference in your success.

Every student on this campus can attain success. Self-motivation and the urge to succeed will drive you to where you need to be and help you ask for help along the road if you need it.

Whether you are coming back to college or just starting, the future is yours.

Take it seriously.