This semester has been full of new changes. College is a lot different than high school as anyone would say. It is also more complicated than the little phrase “being responsible” lets on. When I started college it soon became apparent how time management can make or break a person, that the readings are about half if not more of what gets tested, and that I would have to make my own game plans as to how to study best. To be a good student in college truly is a way of life. College I now like to view as the process of teaching students how to be experts of learning. I gained this new prospective from a combination of some very smart professors and some unfortunate occurrences.
When I started college I really did not understand what I needed to do, to do well. I was very excited, eager to learn, and trying to find my way. I was so happy with my classes and for the first time I was truly happy to be in a classroom. However, then I became oblivious of what I was struggling with and when it came time for my first group of exams I became extremely lost and found myself breaking down under the confusion. Even before taking my exams I knew I needed to change what I was doing. It finally hit me that time management, organization, and seeking out help are ways of life that cannot be avoided.
After taking my exams I realized I needed help and a lot of it. So, I started acquiring some by getting tutors, getting help from my parents, and trying different ways to study. Some of these changes happened right away, however, others are still a work in progress. Even though I am still figuring out what studying habits and routines work best for me I have learn some that work. Examples of what studying habits work for me would be going to tutors, studying with friends, planning out when I need to do assignments and utilizing study guides to the maximum. I also now remove distraction when I have to read or do work and stop when I become confused so I do not get overwhelmed.
In conclusion now when I start my nest semester of college I know I have to start it by helping myself. I will make sure I get in the front of my classes, take notes, get tutors, study with my peers, and ask questions and for help every time I need to. Now I know what everyone meant when they told me college is about “being responsible.” More importantly now I know how to help myself and seek out help when I don’t know how to help myself.
Thank you Casey for being willing to share your difficult road. Being in front of the class is such an easy strategy. The teacher gets to know your name, you are forced to pay attention, and you are more willing to participate in class. You were always a happy and eagar student, but I enjoyed watching you grow more serious about your learning. Each semester will get easier and you will be able to help each and every friend you study with. I will miss your smile next semester!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. I was excited to be in a classroom for the first time in awhile. But now I know what I really need to do to get on track. I'm also still trying to figure out what studying habits I need to get everything done, but I do know I need to remove all distractions and my family being the biggest one.
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