After getting the college acceptance letter from UMD in January, I was ecstatic. Throughout the last months of senior year of high school, through AP exams, college was the glimmering light at the end of the tunnel. Then, as summer approached, reality came crashing down. Inching closer to orientation, I began to wonder if I would be able to survive the workload and the new environment in general. What would it be like living away from home? Sudden independence was a blessing and a curse. But, in an anticlimactic fashion, I moved in, got situated, and classes started. About the nature of my classes, around half of my classes are large lecture halls, while the others are small, high-school-like classrooms. The large lecture halls were at a different pace than I was used to. My biology teacher, for example, barely ever interacts with the students. I quickly learned that to get help, you have to seek clarification during or after the lecture by asking questions during lecture, going to office hours, and even meeting with the TAs for the class. After going to larger lectures more, I think I've learned that I prefer them over smaller classes. Smaller classes, while they let you have more one-on-one time with the professor, just don't give me as much freedom to learn in a way that's best for me. I like to take notes in class to understand on my own, but smaller classes often have group activities and interactive lessons. I prefer doing these kinds of exercises after I've had my own time to review the material, not during the lecture, though it is occasionally helpful to put what we've learned into practice immediately. However, I know a lot of people who like smaller classes better, so it all depends on preference. In regard to preparedness, having taken community college classes in high school, I feel like I was definitely prepared for the assignments and required graded items. Though it depends on the class, it would be best for you to get used to discussion boards, online quizzes or concept checks, and lots of essays. In contrast, I feel like AP classes helped prepare me for writing assignments, but they weren't as helpful as community college classes were, mostly in the aspect of class pacing.
I wasn't sure about what CPSG100 would entail, but I was expecting discussion about climate change, since it is an extremely prevalent topic relating to global change. I wasn't expecting discussion about pseudoscience, logical fallacies, or anything related to Sagan's toolbox. When thinking about science, I was thinking about science in action, such as biology or chemistry. Thinking about the theory behind science was unexpected, but welcomed because it is something I haven't really learned about before. The outdoor excursions were also the most unexpected for me. The Service Day trip to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens was my favorite because it was a very hands-on experience, wading in the water and collecting the weeds. It was also really applicable to my major, Environmental Science and Technology, so I got a feel of what work in my field could look like. In addition, being able to go on a trip to the American Museum of Natural History was an unreal experience. It was so fascinating to explore the museum and then go out into New York City for a bit! I wish I could have spent longer in the museum to explore more exhibits, but now I have more to explore when I eventually return.
Living on campus is probably what took me the most to get used to. Thinking about college is way different from actually experiencing it, but I wouldn't say it is worse. My dorm is pretty small, and the way the furniture is set up is kind of awkward, but putting it into context that it's only for a year keeps me going. After a while, you'll get used to the space, and it's nice having somewhere to go for relaxation after a long day. I recommend you go to someplace other than your dorm to study because you will usually not get work done when your bed is right next to you. Studying in the lounge or other spaces within your hall is nice, so that if you need anything, you can go up to your room and come back quickly. Going to a nearby library is also beneficial for long study sessions. I recommend you go to many different libraries to see which one helps you be most productive, as I find that they all vary in aesthetics and set up. Explore campus as much as you can!
To future SGC students, please don't overthink college life. Just make sure to have an open mind coming to college to try new things, meet new people, and learn new things. Remember not to compare yourself to people who you think are getting more out of college. College is whatever you want it to be. Have goals for what you want to get out of college, whether that be friendships, knowledge, or anything! Take advantage of all the opportunities on campus, too. There are tons of events, clubs, and places to explore. There are also great career and networking opportunities, if that's what you choose to get out of college. Lastly, make sure to have fun!