important thing is to set your sights, use your gifts, and achieve as much as possible. By Beverley Causey-Smith Deciding to go to college is one of the most important decisions you make for life! Think about it. The ability to provide one's self with the basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter is demanding enough without all the extras that we in modern society are accustomed to. Have you ever thought, "How will I do that?'' We are use to the sporty wheels, the trendy apartment or spacious home with all the accessories, all the modern conveniences such as running water, electricity, and food awaiting in the grocery store and restaurants and family vacations.

Even if you gave up on the material world and lived in a Tiki hut you would need skills to procure the basics for survival and most of us would rather thrive than just survive.

Would you have the skills to procure enough coconuts and fish to live off of? How would you provide the basics for your young children or older parents? Believe it or not college will have a huge impact on your life skills and the experiences you gain will be instrumental in your decision making.

A college professor once told our freshman class on the first day of psychology class: "This is your new beginning. You are not babies but starting college is like being born again. You are academic infants. You may think you know a lot but you don't.

" This is transitional life and hopefully will be pleasant and rewarding for each of you. Real life awaits beyond this college campus when you have real jobs and interact with all kinds of people and have real responsibilities.

" All of you have worked hard to be the students you are today. Keep up your motivation to succeed and get a fresh view on the world around you. Take a deep breathe and snatch the opportunities you will find in the next four years.

"Do your best to past this course and all of your courses. Your future children will love you for being capable, intelligent parents who can protect, teach and provide for them.'' The large class of about 200 students was exceedingly quiet. We couldn't decide if we were in Sunday school class or the principal's office. It seemed like a serious place in between.

I felt this lump in my throat for a moment while I grasped the profoundness of the words.

As a young girl who had just turned 18 I was silently thinking, "I will do my best but I certainly don't plan on having any children. I don't even have a serious boyfriend yet and marriage is way out there. I'm not sure I will ever marry! I do want a rewarding career.'' In a few days that cute boyfriend to be was in my psychology and French class.

We became successful study friends and best friends in general for the first year.

After college, 13 years of marriage, solid careers and over a decade of planned parenthood, we have a loving and talented daughter.

I often think of how true that professor's words were and how far off I thought his prediction was.

Sometimes our goals and dreams are altered but we adapt and go forward.

Education and attitude impact the way that we react to life's events.

Regardless of your college adventures, as with most chances in life, you seldom get the chance to do it over. As the cliche says, "Life is not a dress rehearsal.'' College is a wonderful place to study, learn and focus on the building blocks of your future. It is a chance to open your mind, make discoveries and use your dormant brain cells.

Pay close attention to your professors and mentors - maybe you too will have a professor with a crystal ball whose predictions will impact your perception of the future.