Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Semesters at UMD
2024-2025
Throughout my freshman year of college, I have encountered many things that have been more difficult than I expected. My classes were interesting, but there were so many teaching styles I was introduced to this year that I never would have expected would be so difficult for me. I think that my hardest course yet has been general chemistry, which was a surprise to me because all throughout high school I thought I was good at chemistry. I just didn't realize that coming to college, it’s a whole different ball game. I would advise incoming students to embrace difficulty, and accept the things that come towards us. I believe that every experience in college thus far has benefited me in some way.
As for student-teacher relationships, I believe that students will have the greatest successes if they forge those relationships with their teachers by going to office hours and always emailing them for communication. This year, there have been times I have been confused about grades, and all I needed to do was email my teachers my questions and they were always able to solve the problems. Along with teachers, other students are an amazing resource for study help and figuring out which classes or professors to take. I always trust my older friends when they recommend a class or a professor that they have liked in the past. I also enjoy the GSS, Guided Study Sessions, that are held by many student TA’s. These are very helpful for exam review, and I always find that my scores go up after I have attended GSS before a big exam. I have faced many hard times during this year, but one thing that has helped get me through it all has been time spent with my new friends. College is an extreme life change, but the fact that we are all going through it together helps bond us. I think the greatest obstacle in pursuing these types of friendships is adjusting to finally being on your own and taking care of yourself without access to all the friendships you have had your whole life at home. I believe that everyone I have met in college has taught me something valuable about myself, or something that I decide I do not want to surround myself with. College is all about figuring out who you are, and most of that starts with choosing friends. In my opinion, I felt least prepared for the issues I have faced with imposter syndrome. In a rigorous major like biology, a lot of the students have many big dreams and aspirations. It is very easy to compare yourself to hearing these types of things and thinking you are not enough. We all need to remind ourselves that everyone is on a different path in college, and you are here to find yours. Your experience has nothing to do with anyone else's, and there’s nothing you “should” be doing. Everything will benefit you. The fact that you made it here is already enough! I would recommend that prospective students stay positive in these situations, and never forget their worth. I also did not feel prepared for how big the world would feel after I got to college. When I am here, it feels like my life has just started, and that I really do not know anything. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given to be here today, and I would not trade my experience so far for anything.