A word from the wise

Dear Eager Student,

The idea of college is presented as parties, getting wasted and living life to the fullest. What is the real reason for going to college? I am sure it is to get a degree. Sure, you may have fun and enjoy being in college but do not forget the main purpose of being there. “College work requires new kinds of motivation and self-discipline” as pointed out by Hjortshoj in The Transition to College Writing; in high school it is evident that your teachers and parents are the ones that normally push and motivate you and tell you to ensure that you get your assignments done. However, in college all the responsibility is now placed on you, you have to ensure that you wake on time for classes in the morning, ensure that you are fully prepared for those classes and ensure that assignments are completed and submitted before the due date. Personally, I forgot to submit an assignment on time and I lost 10% off my final grade and though it may not seem like a lot of points, it is and you will have to work to make it up.

Another point that is presented in The Transition to College Writing is the fact that “principles of “academic freedom” encourage variation in college teaching”. You will find that the teaching styles of your professors will differ, they may use different textbooks than other professors teaching the same course but what is important to note is how your professor teaches and what is expected. In my first semester, I was able to distinguish between my professors; I know that for my Psychology teacher, she will find different games for us to do so we understand the concept whilst my Foundation of Education teacher will find different videos to show, so different teacher will use different styles so that the students may understand the material.

I think it is crucial to note that if you feel like you are not being challenged in a class, talk to the teacher and see what can be done and know that some courses are designed in the first semester that they start of slow to help with the transition from one stage to the next. Starting college there were classes that I did not feel challenged in, however, I realized that these classes are designed to help you with the transition from high school into college courses; if professors dived into college work then it is likely that students will not perform the way that they ought to.

Take initiative. If a professor do not show up for class then ensure that you follow the syllabus so you see should have been done that day and you go and do some reading on it. Also, if you are missing from a class, the appropriate thing to do is send the teacher an email stating the reason without going in-depth. When you follow the syllabus you will always be in track or one step ahead which is beneficial for you.  

While you dive into your college courses I hope you will have a smooth transition and as I always say “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

From,

The wise one