As 2007 winds down, I, as every college student, have a chance to reflect on the events of the semester. For the most part, we all have experienced downfalls as well as triumphs, both which will ultimately help to shape our college careers if they haven’t already.

How can we make sure to claim victory in the end? It’s very simple! Here is a list of 10 solid rules that every A&T student should follow in order to have a successful semester and school year:

I. Thou shall not use all thy flex dollars the first week of the semester.Trust me. A day will come when you are terribly hungry, and you will swipe your AggieOne card and $1 will be on there. You don’t need to eat at Pizza Hut, Chick-Fil-A and Blimpie everyday. You’re paying for a meal plan, so you might as well hit up that cafe!

II. Thou shall not let Myspace and Facebook distract thee.Once you see that two hours have passed and you’re still on the title of your research paper, I suggest that you log out of Facebook and Myspace. Click out of the tabs on Internet Explorer while you’re at it, so you won’t get the urge to log back in.III. Thou shall not mistake Thursdays for Saturdays.

Yes, tonight most clubs are free before 12 and yes, Friday is just around the corner, but just in case you forgot-you have class tomorrow and a paper due! Looks like you need to have a party in your room with Microsoft Word.

IV.Thou shall not hit the mall right after refund checks are distributed.Go right to Wachovia, Bank of America, or the bank to which you belong and deposit the money. Do NOT cash the check and blow your money on a shopping spree because when you suddenly have a bill next semester and can’t come back to school, you’re gonna wish that you had kept that money! Dowdy will NOT have mercy on your soul!

V.Thou shall not let guys/ladies detour you from the real reason why you’re at A&T.Now, there are some handsome men and beautiful women on our campus. One can get easily distracted! Please be advised that spittin’ game and flirting will not get you that 4.0 GPA! Keep your eyes in the books and off of the opposite (or same) sex!VI. Thou shall keep up with all personal belongings.

If you find yourself going to your RA five times a month to get a spare key to unlock your room or you’ve been through 4 AggieOne cards in 3 months, you’re showing signs of irresponsibility. Keep careful track of your things and keep them organized and accessible!

VII. Thou shall not wait until reading day to contact a professor.So, you’ve been failing your class since the first graded assignment, and on Reading Day you decide to address your professor on the issue. BIG no-no! At the first sign of trouble with a class, it is wise to get help from a fellow classmate or teacher. It is NOT wise to wait until classes are over to suddenly care about your final grade.

VIII.Thou shall not wait until 1 minute before your class at Gibbs Hall to leave your room in Pride Hall.,/b>You are not Superman. If you’re walking (or driving) it is almost impossible for you to get from one side of the campus to the other in one minute. Unless your tardiness is unavoidable, give yourself time to get to class so that you will be seated and ready when it begins.

IX.Thou shall always check Blackboard.Technology is scary. Checking Blackboard (for most students) has become almost as crucial as going to class. It can do things that professors normally do, such as grade assignments and exams. You must be on top and aware of class announcements, online exams, grades, and documents posted on there. Professors are using this tool more and more to keep in close contact with students. Check it frequently!…and the most vital Commandment of all…

X.Thou must check Ebay, Amazon, and Edward McKay’s before going to the A&T Bookstore to purchase books.Unless you’re ballin’ like that and would rather pay $400 for a new book from the A&T Bookstore that you can get for $40 used at Ed McKays, check ALL possible places before you buy books for your classes.

You are a college student. You have tuition as well as other expenses to worry about. The last thing you want to do is pay a ridiculous amount of money for a book that you’re going to possibly misplace or that you won’t need after the current semester. However, if spending unnecessary money makes you happy, be my guest!

• Keisha Thomas