Ashley Ireland's "Expectations vs. Reality" Reflection Essay

Due Date: December 12, 2022

When I first arrived to the University of Maryland, I was nervous about how my classes were going to play out. I quickly discovered they are much different than high school courses. In my classes exclusive of CPSG100, there were no such thing as in class assignments. You went to class, listened to the lecture, took the notes, and then did the homework that followed. It is similar to my labs: you did your lab with your lab group, and did all the following work at home with little group efforts. Based on my high school experience, I was expecting more collaboration with peers, rather than just listening to the professor lecture. I miss the connection that I was able to develop with my teachers in class. In college, I only know them by how fast and detailed they reply to my emails. Because there were no in class assignments, the grades are exams and homework, with very little exceptions. For me, this made my grade fluctuate much more, and there were not many opportunities to help level it out, unless I got an exponentially better grade on my following exam. In high school, there were different categories of grades, allowing for wide distrubution of points, making grades plateu and remain steady more; there were also such things as redos, which are unheard of in college. Although I do miss this aspect, the structure of my classes has opened my eyes to how important it is to dedicate time to study and reflect on the material continuously, and to not fall behind. I think starting the spring semester will come as less of a culture shock to me, and I will be able to ease more naturally into my courses now that I have real expectations. Overall, Maryland courses are much more independent than I am used to, but these adjustments will come with time.

CPSG100 on the other hand has been perfect for me. There has been an amazing balance of peer collaboration and indepdent work. The outside-of-classroom activities, such as Service Day and the Metro Scavenger Hunt, allow for me (and everyone else in the class) to bond so much more easy. Despite my positive view of all the field trips, I thought there was going to be more, and I thought they were going to be directed more towards factors that are hurting our environment. I pictured participating in possible beach/ park clean ups, environmental seminars and possible visits to more research centers. I understand that some of these were excursions, but I was expecting class wide field trips. I almost wish they did happen to allow for more bonding opportunities. Following up on the topic of how the climate is changing, I was expecting to cover much more of that this semester. Discussing Carl Sagan, aspects of science, and pseudoscience were so far off of my radar this semester, I was genuinely shocked we spent so much time on it. After talking with my peers in the class, it sounds like others were also shocked by the lectures and reading for this semester. I am looking forward to future semesters, where we discuss the history and future of climate change. The recent lectures about extinction, along with the reading of "The 6th Extinction," gets me excited for what is to come. I think the way the past influences the future, and guides scientists, is such an interesting and important topic.

I will be completely honest, I thought college was going to have more partying in store for me. However, most of my weekends are spent watching Netflix, trying to decompress from the stressful week I had. College life is more lonely and simple than I expected it to be. Friends do not come instantly like I thought they were going to, adjusting to living away from home takes time; time that has still not completely passed. However, the dorms and bathrooms are exactly what I expected: outdated and small. At first, I was worried about the size of my dorm, but overtime, Centreville in general has turned into a place where I can finally take a deep breath and feel relaxed, which I am very greatful for. My roomate and I get along very well, which is a high expectation I had for college, so I am super happy I got lucky with a fun roommate. The one thing about college that not enough people talk about is not having homemade meals. When I was in high school, I did not even think twice about coming home, making some food, and eventually having a yummy dinner my parents made for the family. In college, there is absolutely none of that. The dining hall food gets old fast, and even thinking about the idea of a homemade meal is making me hungry. In the end, life in college is not an easy adjustment, at least not for me. Based on the way my parents spoke about their college experience, I had this vision that I was going to thrive instantly. I know my time will come eventually, but for now, I am pushing forward.

For future SGC students, you have the best professors in the world! Science and Global Change will become a class you will look forward to, between bonding with your peers and being entertained by Dr. Holtz and Dr. Merck. As for other classes, the best I advice to give is to attend your lectures. There will always be a voice in your head telling you to skip class, stay in bed and go on your phone. Trust me when I say, you will feel exponentially better when you go to lecture, and the material will make so much more sense. When you attend these lectures, don't be afraid to talk to the people around you. They are all in the same position, or have been in the same position before and are more than likely willing to talk to you. Establishing connections in your classes makes such a difference, especially when it comes time to studying for exams. Forming study groups is such a useful tool. As for college life outside of your classes, always listen to your gut. If you are in a situation that does not feel like your speed, don't hesitate to leave, or call a friend. Maryland has so many resources for those who are struggling, or need help, it is no where near a crime to take advantage of them. But most importantly, give yourself time to relax and breathe. Studying won't pay off if you are too mentally drained to even go to class or take a deep breath. Having "you" time is such a critical thing in college.

Last modified: 5 December 2022