Afanwi Neba's "Expectations vs. Reality" Reflection Essay

Due Date: December 9, 2024

In high school, I completed a dual enrollment program that allowed me to graduate with an associate's degree in general education. I thought it would prepare me a lot more than it actually did for the University of Maryland. During the first few weeks, I quickly came to the realization that university (at least this one) is NOT like community college at all. From the big class sizes, to academically gifted students, and the sheer size of the campus. The professors I had at community college were more lenient, easygoing, and approachable. For the big lecture courses here at UMD, I find that you have to “compete” more for the professor's attention and make sure that they know your name. They move so quickly through slides and practice problems so it’s easy to feel overloaded when an exam is coming up. Another huge difference between my previous school and UMD is the prevalence of TAs. In my previous school, the professors did all the teaching, answered all the questions, and did all the grading. At UMD, the TAs for certain courses can fulfill all of those roles. I find myself going to TA hours more than I go to the professor’s office hours. The structure of the courses here is exactly what I expected. Some classes have a bunch of mini-assignments each week on top of exams. Other classes pretty much just have exams. I prefer the previous method because you have a lot more cushion if you bomb one of the exams (like I did). Surprisingly, I don’t hate having 8 am classes as much as I thought I would. I prefer to be tortured earlier in the day so I can study in the evening and go to bed at a reasonable time.

As for CPSG100, it’s also been what I expected. If I’m being completely honest, I didn’t know what I was doing when I was applying for Scholars. I don’t even know if SGC was my first choice. However, I’ve always been interested in climate change so I’m not disappointed to be in SGC. I want to continue the program also because I love the energies of Dr. Holtz and Dr. Merck. They always bring a ray of sunshine to my day with their silliness and passion for their jobs. I found some of what we covered in class to be redundant because most people already know the basics of climate change. But I enjoyed the lessons about Sagan’s Toolbox, the Honor Code, and Logical Fallacies. I wish I tried to connect more with my peers at the beginning of the semester. Everyone in SGC seems like someone I would want to be friends with. I also really enjoyed the out-of-classroom activities. It made me feel more like a grown-up traveling on my own to D.C. for a school activity. I was born and raised in Prince George’s County and spent most of my childhood in Greenbelt (5 minutes away from UMD). Yet, I had never taken the time to explore D.C. and enter the museums (except for middle school field trips).

University life is so much better for me compared to living at home. I get along with my roommate so my dorm is very peaceful and quiet. I don’t have nearly as many responsibilities living on campus. At home, I did everyone’s laundry, cleaned, cooked, took care of the farm, and helped with my parent’s random side jobs. I rarely had any days to myself where I could do whatever I wanted. My time was pretty much my parents’ time. Here and UMD, the only dishes I do regularly are my reusable water bottles. I haven’t cooked anything since I moved in. My roommate and I aren’t messy so our room doesn’t require constant cleaning. My time is now my time. I can spend the whole day at the library, sleep in till 10 am, go shopping, and buy sweet treats without having to maneuver my plans around my parents. Coming to UMD, I hoped I would grow out of my shell and become more social. In high school, I planned on going to parties and joining many clubs. In reality, I would rather spend any free time I have studying or sleeping. I’m in 3 clubs which isn’t bad, but I haven’t even attempted to go to any parties. I may have to accept that the party life is not for me.

The main piece of advice I would give to future SGC students is to start forming connections with their peers as early as orientation. These people will likely be in your classes and It’s good to have a familiar face. To quote Dr. Holtz “If you’re a turtle that has flipped over, don’t just lay there flailing around. Reach out to someone for help so they can tip you over to the right side”. There’s no reason you should suffer in silence. Additionally, there will probably come a point where you think you’re “dumb”. Don’t let 1 (or 2, or 3) bad test grades define who you are. You can almost always bounce back.

Last modified: 2 December 2024