Page 56 - Keys to College Success

student PROFILE

Zack Moore

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND,
KINGSTON

About me: think that I make as great an impact on people I meet as they often
I major in communications, have do on me.
added a business minor, and play Two years into my college career, I find it interesting to
wide receiver on the URI (Univer- look back at how far I have come since arriving at summer foot-
sity of Rhode Island) football team. Although I have some great ball camp before my freshman year. Not only have I learned a lot
mentors in several fields, I am not sure what my career choice will in the classroom, but daily interactions with classmates, profes-
be. I hope to play football for as long as possible, but when I am sors, teammates, coaches, roommates, and others in the college
done on the field, I might like to become a motivational speaker, community have shaped me in ways that I would never have
open a warehouse-style gym, or help my grandfather run Horseless anticipated.
Carriage Carriers, his automobile transportation business. To me, college is a place where I am exploring who I am,
gaining a better understanding of what makes others tick, and
What I focus on: figuring out who I will be when I enter the professional world.
Ever since I was a toddler, my parents encouraged me to interact
with as many people as possible. My life experiences have What will help me in the workplace:
brought me in contact with people of many backgrounds, ages, While I don’t know exactly what I will do with my life, I believe
races, and beliefs. I’ve developed an ability to carry on a conversa- that the communication, social, and emotional skills I am develop-
tion with practically anyone about practically anything. I like to ing each day will help me succeed in whatever career I choose.

during breaks, rather than all at once. Making it a top priority is a reasonable risk that
will earn you enormous reward.

Self-Control
You live in a world of abundant choice: hundreds of courses, multiple majors, hun-
dreds of cable television channels, millions of websites, multiple ways to order a coffee,
thousands of food products. With increased choices comes more of an opportunity to
get exactly what you want. However, there is also a price to pay.
Recent research indicates that making decision after decision takes a toll on
your judgment and your ability to maintain your willpower in the face of tempta-
tion. When your brain begins to feel “decision fatigue,” you are more likely to act
impulsively or make no choice at all. Both of these situations can be highly prob-
lematic when you are trying to exercise self-control as a newly independent college
student. 32
Set yourself up to avoid the constant decision making that can sap your willpower
and self-control. One researcher notes that successful people “establish habits that
eliminate the mental effort of making choices. Instead of deciding every morning
whether or not to force themselves to exercise, they set up regular appointments to

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