As I approach the end of my first semester here at the University of Maryland and in the Scholars program, it's time to reflect on the semester. When I first started this journey, I had certain expectations about what university life would be like, both academically and socially. Now, looking back, I can see how my expectations have been met, exceeded, and even challenged in ways I didn't foresee.
Coming into university, I had a fairly traditional idea of what college classes would be like: large lectures, lots of independent reading, and exams that test your memory. In some ways, this was true, but in others, it was far from what I expected. For instance, many of my classes included more interactive components than I anticipated, such as group discussions, presentations, and hands-on projects. I felt the class sizes were rather often smaller than what I had anticipated, apart from Chemistry, of course. These smaller sizes allow professors to give students more personalized attention, and also communication among classmates is relatively easier. In fact, there was more emphasis on critical thinking and analysis than I had ever imagined. Instead of just memorizing facts, the professors asked us to apply our learning to current problems and events, which was challenging yet rewarding.
CPSG100 was another area where my expectations were met with surprises. I initially thought the class would be a boring class about climate change and global warming, but it discusses so much more. While we did learn about the first two topics we also learned about dinosaurs, pseudoscience, and other general university rules.
One of the big surprises this semester was definitely how different university life would be from my high school vision of college. In my head, I had somewhat envisioned a bustling, social campus where students were always hanging out, attending events, and balancing academics with exciting extracurriculars. That is certainly an opportunity available; however, the reality in university life has been one of balancing responsibilities and trying to find personal time more than I had previously thought. Social life is great, but it can also be a bit overwhelming at times, especially with the demands of academics. Living on campus has provided a unique perspective on university life. I had anticipated a more communal experience where I would be surrounded by people constantly. Instead, I found that while I am part of a close-knit group of friends, there are also a lot of moments where I have to carve out time for myself. The freedom that comes with being away from home is great, but it also requires more self-discipline than I initially expected. The academic workload is demanding, but the flexibility in managing my schedule has been a challenge and an advantage.
To future SGC students, my advice would be to manage your time carefully from the very beginning. Transitioning from high school to college can be a big jump, and at times you may feel overwhelmed. Take advantage of all the resources available to help you stay on track, such as academic advising and peer support networks. Don't be afraid to get involved on campus, whether it is through joining clubs or attending events, to help make your time at university more rewarding and enjoyable. Additionally, don't be too hard on yourself. First semester usually consists of an adjustment phase, and it is not okay if things have not been found out yet. Be easy with yourself, and do not be afraid to ask for help where you need it. And above all, have fun, as UMD and Centerville in general have so many programs and activities to get you acquainted.
Reflecting on my non-academic life, I’ve found that university life has been both difficult and rewarding. On the one hand, adjusting to the freedom and independence of being away from home has been challenging. Managing time between studying, socializing, and personal care is an ongoing learning experience. There have been moments of stress, especially when multiple projects and exams overlap, but these challenges have taught me valuable time-management skills.
On the positive side, I have had some highlights that came along unexpectedly, such as making new friends, attending campus events, and exploring the surrounding area. Countless small victories, such as succeeding in a group project or handling a difficult situation on my own, have also cropped up. These moments reminded me why I chose to pursue higher education in the first place-not just for academic growth but also for personal development.
This semester, upon reflection, was one filled with both expectations and surprises for me. The academic challenges were far more demanding than anticipated; still, they were a lot more rewarding. CPSG100 provided me with a deeper understanding of myself and my university community than I had expected. Life as a college student has been both exciting and challenging, requiring me to grow in ways I didn't foresee. I am excited to continue learning, growing, and adapting to the university environment. This first semester has laid a solid foundation for the rest of my time at the University of Maryland.