As a new year kicks off and first year students at UND are looking to start their next great adventure, we, the editorial board, would like to pass on some of the knowledge we have acquired so far in our college experiences.

The college experience is not a cheap one — from tuition, the cost of books and the steep price of Redbull, four years can put a pretty big dent in one’s wallet. That’s why we believe that it’s important that everyone makes the absolute best of their experience.

First of all, if you feel extremely passionate about a subject and believe that it is your calling, don’t let the notion of a “poor job outlook” discourage you. Although they are a necessary part of modern society, if everyone aspired to become a doctor, lawyer or investment banker the world would be a very bleak place. We need artists and writers and specialists in the history of music, too. So chase your dreams — whatever they may be. After all if you love your work, you will never have to ‘work’ a day in your life.

Second, if your college goals are primarily job oriented, don’t forget to have some fun as well. There are plenty of ways to explore all of your interests while still staying on the fast track career wise. You can always get a minor in a different subject that you are interested in. You can get a variety of minors in college that will not require nearly as much heavy work as your major, but will still greatly further your knowledge of a subject and allow you to explore topics you’re interested in. Furthermore, many minors can complement your major when you enter the job field, even if it may not seem like it at the moment.

Finally, never sell yourself short. If you are truly passionate about your subject, it is never too early to consider going to graduate school. Although college may seem far from over for many of us, sooner or later you have to decide what you are going to do after graduation. If you are planning on going on the graduate school, you will be doing yourself a favor in the long run if you start preparing early on. While graduate school may seem like a large financial burden to take on, it is an investment that more than pays for itself in the long run for many people.

No matter what your interests in college are, make sure to set high expectations for yourself and make the most of your college experience. Whether you graduate in four years or you stick around for an extra few, the time goes by extremely fast.