To think back a few years ago and
still remember the beginning of high school, and now look at where you are.
College is a different environment where you will have to adapt to and learn
many new things and ideas that will guide you through your time here. I have a
few recommendations for you to be a successful student and be ready for what’s
coming towards you.
One of my first recommendations is
to first adapt to the new environment and get to know the school a bit more
because you will be spending a great amount of time at school during your
semesters and finals week. When I started I felt like I didn’t know the school
well enough and would go straight home because I didn’t feel comfortable being
at different places of the school and usually would study at home which was
also a distraction. The reason why I’m sharing this with you is because by
knowing the school you can find places to study, eat lunch, or meet up with
friends. It also helps you stay more into the school mode and motivates you to
actually do your work.
The second thing I want to share
with you is stay up to date with your courses. Well what I mean is always look
back at your notes and make sure you understand them while the ideas are fresh.
Usually in big lecture halls your grade is based on the test you take and
sometimes if homework is given. For my sociology class my grade was based on
two test and some quizzes we took, it became hard because I wouldn’t look at
the notes and would leave the work to the side and not worry until the test was
near and then I would end up getting a not so good grade. Just have time at
least those days you have that class to spend about and hour or so reading the
notes, highlight concepts you don’t understand and ask questions because it
will make the course easy for you.
My third tip I want to share with you
is invest in a planner. My planner became like a best friend to me because it
helped me keep my work organized and I was able write things I needed to do and
when I had certain things due. Not having a planner can be hard to keep track
of all the work you need to do and you might even forget. With a planner you
can write assignments, highlight them and make them standout so that you don’t
forget. It was a really helpful tool during my first year and I hope you can
take this advice because it will come in handy.
My fourth tip and the most
important is DO NOT PROCRASINATE. Yes I know everyone does it and as much as
you tell yourself don’t do it is when you most do it. Now we are in college and
professor expect you to keep track of your things and turn them in when the due
date is. Some professors don’t care if you didn’t turn it in; it makes it easy
for them to grade one less assignment. I am guilty of this issue where I had a
homework assignment for my math class and I forgot about doing it and asked if
I can turn it in later and my professor denied it and got really upset. Just do
it on time the professors give you enough time to start projects, homework, and
assignments so why not do it the day you receive it and not worry about it
after when you have other classes to worry about.
The last tip I’m giving you is
balance your time. There will be times
where you will feel overwhelmed and tired of school, but if you balance your
time you can get through those worrisome days. Have time for yourself, for
friends, and especially for school. Remember school comes first then fun; don’t
let distractions get to you. Relax when you can because it’s not the end of the
world and study early. Set up times at least two hour for different things you
have to do. And if you work make sure you don’t exceed the maximum of 20 hours.
When I started working it was hard to balance time and I would get things done,
but I learned that I was wasting my time on unnecessary things. Do your best
and you will become a successful college student.
When you take English 114, devote
time to the class because it is a fun class where you learn about your self and
about you writer side. Get involved in the class because discussion time can be
one of the interesting things you do in this class. Spend time in your writings
and always keep in touch with your professor because they will gladly help you.
I wish you the best in this adventuress journey through your first year and
hope that you learn a lot while being here. Good luck and stay positive.
Best,
Astrid Noguera
“word count :855”
