Looking back, I did the "college experience" right and here is why....
Hey guys, before I get started—I want to share some important news. (No, it’s not that I gave birth LOL… or maybe I did… idk.)
But what I did do was finally privatize the Tezhly community! I’m so excited for Phase 2 of Tezhly—really making it an exclusive space for those with goals and ambitions beyond their current scenario or environment.
Privatizing my community means the community page, job board, resume review, career coach, etc. are now members-only. Hopefully, this will cut down on the copycats (you know, the ones who steal my content and regurgitate it as their own), the bots, and the unserious—you get the rest.
I have so much planned for Q2 at Tezhly, and I can’t wait to share it over there. If you want to join the community, here’s your invite:
Ok, so something most people don’t know about me—I started college at 16. And man, what an experience it is to be underage in such a “free” environment. My saving grace? I was naturally an ambitious introvert. I never followed the crowd or longed for friends—if I made them, it happened organically. So, while I did go to some college parties for the experience, it was never my lifestyle.
Sidebar: I think being a student-athlete helped me stay balanced, but let’s be real—I didn’t go to college to “wild out.” That said, I wasn’t a bookworm either. I socialized, but only where it made sense. I didn’t make friends just for the sake of it. Quality over quantity, always.
I’ve talked about “the circle” in a previous article, but you don’t truly understand how important the people around you are until you see the impact they have on your success. In college, I got very close with my professors—always asking them for life advice. And guess what? Those same professors later became professional references, helping me land jobs I technically wasn’t even qualified for yet.
I also joined meaningful clubs—the kind with an extended network beyond the college campus. Let’s be clear: some clubs, sororities, and fraternities are pointless after college. Sure, the alumni base might be big, but their network is small—you get me? So, be selective. Join organizations that have the connections to get you where you need to be, not just places where you pay dues for an empty association.
Now, internships? By far the most important thing I did. I always tell people: the job market values experience and who you know more than anything. A 4.0 GPA is nice, but real-world experience opens doors—especially if you know how to find opportunities and keep them.
One mistake people make? Waiting too long to start their professional careers, thinking opportunities will magically appear. Hate to break it to you, but no matter how hard you work, you have to build the bridge—it won’t just show up for you.
So, my advice to college students—and to parents of young kids—is simple:
Start early
Focus on the right organizations
Find and connect with the right mentors that can be your future reference
Network LIKE YOUR LIFE IS on the line.
Intern as much as you can while in college
Enjoy the college experience, but don’t “wild out”
Xoxo, Resa
