College students have many opportunities for first impressions. There are job interviews that are critical factors in the hiring process.     
   Students, when you meet your professors for the first time it is important you make a good impression because they are a vital instrument in your education and future. College life is all about meeting new people, so it is important to be your best self. First impressions help or hinder every college student in some way. At some point in your life, I am sure you have been given advice on how to make a great first impression and some of you are pros at it by now — or maybe not. I am not saying that everyone will love you based off of a first encounter, but to be on your best behavior could sway the tide in your favor.
    People form rather abiding and speedy impressions of other people, so it is important not only to make good impressions, but to trust your initial judgment as well. In “Seven Seconds To Make a First Impression,” Carol Kinsey Goman discovered that researchers from NYU found we make 11 major decisions about one another in the first seven seconds of meeting. Also, studies have shown that nonverbal cues carry more weight than verbal cues during first impressions.
   As college students we should make it easy for other people and have good attitudes even if we have to fake it for a minute or two. Our attitudes make all the difference in how we come across to other people. A smile makes us approachable and makes us seem friendly. Use your charm, and dress for the occasion because people in authoritative positions like for you to be well-groomed.
    We all know those people who naturally have charisma and can charm the pants off of anyone they meet. I know that many of us are not that charismatic relatable person. The qualities and skills that charisma lends people can be learned and used to effectively make the right impression.
   First impressions are nearly impossible to reverse, so try to make the best of every encounter. Make small talk and seem interested in whatever subject is discussed. Do not appear bored. You do not need to maintain a facade. If you are yourself, people will get to know the real you, and you will seem more relatable and likable.
  Not only do we need to make good first impressions, but we need to trust our own instincts when we encounter people. First impressions help us and others weed out people who are not what we look for in an employee, friend or even a boyfriend or girlfriend. On the flip side, we should not automatically cross someone off our list because everyone has a bad day or gets nervous.
   We all make mistakes, and nobody is perfect. People know this and will more than likely give you a second chance before they completely give up on your character. So don’t put too much pressure on yourself and others.