As the first semester is about to finish, my perception of how college was going to be was completely different coming in. I initially thought all the professors would drown us with assignments and homework. However, all of my professors gave an appropriate amount of work that I would successfully be able to finish within the time frame provided. The structure, delivery, and graded items of all my classes were very lenient compared to what I had thought of going into college. All of the course structures were very organized and easy to follow. The way all my professors taught was very helpful as all the content I learned was easy to understand during class. For example, in MATH241, which is Calculus 3, and CMSC131, which is Object-Orientated Programming I, my professors explained a new a concept and then stopped and asked my class if everything was clear. Assignments and exams were graded appropriately as all the information we were tested on was content we learned from class. Whenever I missed a lecture, I was able to contact someone from my class or even watch the uploaded lecture online (for some classes).
There were many things that we covered in class that I did not think we would learn about. Prior to college, I thought we would learn just about climate change and ways to counteract the negative effects. However, we went in depth with the true definition of what science is in the first week. Then, we learned what the scientific method was and dissected it to fully understand each step of it. Next, we learned about logical fallacies and Sagan’s toolbox and how to apply them to different texts. Surprisingly, we also learned about rocks and how we can study them to determine our long term climate change. Finally, we ended with learning about the five major extinctions and how we are currently fueling the “sixth extinction.” The service day opportunity was very engaging. By going to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens with other Science and Global Change Scholars students, I was able to meet many other students. Despite the very hot weather, the activities that we participated in were exciting, such as going around the pond in a boat picking up invasive weeds.
Dorming on campus is much more fun compared to my high-school self’s perception of it. I have met many of my close friends from my dorm. I thought I would study at a library or a cafe, but I have been able to study in my room as the size of the dorm is reasonable. I was very overwhelmed coming into college. I met so many people, I was stressed about making sure I complete my work and study for exams, and more importantly I was worried that I would not get enough sleep. However, I have been able to deal with all these problems successfully. Everyone that I have met has been very nice and smart, allowing me to surround myself around future successful people. I have been able to manage my time to complete homework, projects, major assignments, and study for exams. Also, I have been very productive during the day, so I would have time to relax and sleep enough at night.
There are many things I would say to future Science and Global Change students coming into college. College is easier than you think it is if you are able to manage your time wisely. Try to get your work done during the day, so you have time to spend with friends or participate in clubs and sports. In addition, Google Maps or Apple Maps will be your best friend the first couple of weeks. I walked to all of my classes the third day I got to college, but I forgot how to get to every one of them. By the end of your first month, you will be more comfortable walking to class without using your phone. Always have a snack and water with you as you will be hungry during your classes. Also, try to show up to class early, so you do not have to rush to class. If you are worried about socializing, do not be. You will meet many people in Science and Global Change. If you end up dorming in Centreville Hall, try to introduce yourselves to your floor members. You will become very close with them by the end of the semester, so might as well as start that connection early. Finally, have fun. Do not bury yourself in your room studying or just on your phone. Definitely join clubs and sports that you are interested in. You will meet many people with similar interests as you. I did not expect myself to be as social as I am now. I have met many new people and I am close with many of them. I just had to put myself out there and I was able to make many friends. Also, I was unsure of if I would have time to socialize with new people, other than my friends from my highschool. I realized that there was a lot of time to socialize and meet new people, especially during the first couple days. I have also gotten very close with people from my floor, as we spend most weekends together. Other than the social aspect of college, walking to class was very annoying during the first month of college. My classes were very spread apart as I am taking classes different from my major. However, I have been able to adjust to it.