Dr. Mills Advice to Students

Alejandra Drullard-Rosario

Dr. Mills a Mount professor in the Science Department recently shared valuable insights for students on how to truly make the most of their college experience.

Dr. Mills Offered advice based not only on his career as a professor but also from his own personal journey as a student.  

In his article “Advice for Students on Making the Most of Their College Years,” Dr. Mills highlights the importance of college experiences beyond just the academic curriculum.

Mills states, “As a teacher, my goal is not only for students to understand the material better, but also to ensure they are prepared for their current and future 'lives of significance' after leaving the Mount.”

Mills reflects come from his own experience and his genuine desire to guide students through both their academic and personal growth.  

One key takeaway from Mills’ article is the emphasis on being present during college experiences. While it’s tempting to pile on various activities to build a resume.

He advises students not to merely check items off a list. He shared, “I see students often doing things just to add them to a resume, but that’s not where the true value lies.” He stresses that the real value comes from immersing oneself in experiences.

For instance, he points out that listing “research experience” on a resume diminishes in comparison to the actual learning that happens when students are in the lab, struggling through experiments, analyzing data and reading scientific papers.

According to Mills, it’s not about what you can put on paper but the depth of learning and personal growth that results from these endeavors.  

Mills also shares advice on how to balance the academic workload with extracurricular activities.

Recognizing that students have varying capacities to manage their schedules, he encourages taking things one step at a time. “Don’t overwhelm yourself by jumping into multiple activities at once,” he advises. “Start with one thing, see how well you manage, and only then decide whether to take on more.”

He believes in challenging oneself but warns against overloading, urging students to stretch themselves without losing control of their time and energy.  

As a first-year student Dr. Mills offers one particularly valuable price of advice: establish routine early on. “I highly recommend sitting down with an hour-by-hour weekly calendar and planning out your week,” he suggested. This routine should include courses, meals, exercise, study/homework time and even a consistent bedtime.

Mills emphasizes that this structured approach helps students clearly see how much free time they have and ensures they don’t neglect essential aspects of their well-being.

His use of technology to stay organized is another practical suggestion- Dr. Mills himself relies on Google Calendar to keep track of his own schedule even for the smallest details like class times and locations.  

For students looking to get the most out of their college years Mills’ article offers a thoughtful and practical road map. His advice encourages a balance of reflection and action urging students to live fully in the moment while planning.

His article serves as a reminder that college is more than just a stepping stone to a career- it’s a time for personal growth, learning and preparation for the future.