We’re nearing the end again, Skyline College. It’s time for us all to cram for our finals, sell our books, and get the hell out of this place. For some of us it’s a four year University next semester, but for those of us who struggle with the education system this time of year can be highly depressing. For us, Skyline can seem like a prison.

Here is some advice on what to do to speed up your time at Skyline College.

Take advantage of the obvious

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – find a counselor. It’s in our nature to think we can solve all our problems on our own, but sometimes we need another pair of eyes to see what we cannot. That’s the job of a counselor. A counselor can help you plan your time at Skyline and assist you in whatever your goals may be here. It’s easy to set up an appointment:

Step 1 – Walk into building 2.

Step 2 – Go to the information desk.

Step 3 – Ask to make an appointment with a counselor.

After that, all you have to do is show up. If you blow off your appointment, you might never get the opportunity to make another… if you flake three times you lose your privilege to counsel.

Spend that free time

Summer is a time when you should be swimming in a pool drinking a cold beverage in the hot sun… unless you want to get anywhere in your life. Taking advantage of summer classes at any of the district’s fine colleges can give you a jump start for transfer or degree requirements. It is a difficult decision to make; free time or escape. Your choice.

Cooperation is key

Skyline offers a program that can be very beneficial to those of you who work. You can sign up for Cooperative Education, a program that gives school credits for learning on the job. The best part about Cooperative Education is that you don’t have to regularly attend classes – you meet once with your instructor at the beginning of the semester and once at the end. It’s an easy, efficient way to get the credits needed for any requirement.

By the book…

There is one more recommendation – get a copy of the class schedule. All the information you need to succeed at Skyline is in that flimsy book. There are forms in the back of the class schedule that highlight CSU and UC requirements, and if you follow them closely you aren’t likely to mess up too bad. It worked for me, it’ll work for you.

I’ve done my best over the past few semesters to bring you useful advice in a humorous and entertaining way, and it’s time for me to retire. You can still send me your questions and I’ll still do my best to answer them, but the column you’ve (hopefully) grown to love will no longer be in print.

Thank you Skyline College. My name is John Harrison and I’m your friendly neighborhood Advice Nerd, signing out.