As I look back at the school year, I can scarcely believe that freshman year is already coming to an end. Gone are the days of awkward transition from high school to college; now it is the hopefully less awkward transition to sophomore year. I hope in the upcoming year that I get to take more classes related to my major, environmental science, as well as classes I just enjoy. In the fall, I took ENST111, which was a class newly implemented within the requirements for my major. This class came with a bunch of surprises, as there were weekly field trips to nearby sites such as Claggett Farm, Jug Bay, and the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This allowed me to get hands-on experience and view the different types of work I could pursue firsthand. I find that courses that require direct involvement, through group work, labs, or field trips, provide the opportunity to facilitate teamwork and a deeper understanding of the subject at hand. I believe most students will have to take these types of courses anyway for their major or gen-ed requirements. So, I encourage incoming freshmen to take advantage of interactive and collaborative work, and try to make the best out of any situation, though it will be hard at times. In addition, field exploration provides the opportunity to meet and interact with faculty whom you will frequently see in the following years.
Interacting with faculty members, such as professors, is important not only to build connections within your department but to be able to learn from their experiences. It can be intimidating to approach professors, especially in big lecture halls. I found that what worked the best was attending events within your department and major. It is easier to talk with faculty at places meant for socializing. Professors also tend to recognize when you put your best effort into attending and participating in their class, or even seeking help when necessary through office hours. It may seem cliche and straightforward, but making conscious efforts to make connections really does work.
Though you should try your best to meet faculty, I would say a bigger priority is interacting with peers and making friends. My friendships have been really helpful in giving me extra motivation in simple things, such as going to events and exploring the opportunities on campus. I found it overwhelming and nerve-wracking to do things alone at the beginning of the school year, but it's easier with people you feel comfortable around. However, to meet new people and just in general, you do have to be prepared to do things alone and be at ease with yourself. You will likely spend a lot of time by yourself because everybody has their own things going on, and you'll have your own thing going on too.
The independence you're given, specifically in the context of academics, was something I was least prepared for. It's really evident how the outcome you get is a result of the effort you put in. More time is spent outside of lecture in order to complete work, practice, study, etc. You may have to start practicing a work-life balance; I'm certainly still practicing. For me, effective time management comes from planning and committing to the plan. But it differs for everyone. Overall, don't overthink it! The transition may not be the most perfect, but whatever experience you go through will build character, and you'll learn a lot about yourself and the world around you.