In many cases, advisers may be a student's lifeline.

Learn all that you can while you are here; take in all of the experiences that campus has to offer. That's your life going by -- don't miss it.

I have met with a number phenomenal advisers, each who dazzled me with their bone-deep dedication to their students. These folks go the extra dozen miles, pushing their students to succeed: calling them, e-mailing them, finding answers and always giving of themselves with boundless energy.