My first semester of college is very different from what I expected, mainly due to the effect of the pandemic. Before my experience at UMD, I had not taken many online tests, much fewer ones that accounted for a large portion of my grade. The tests provided came in various forms depending on the class: some timed web assignments, others given the majority of the day to complete, acting as single-day projects, and in classes where showing work along with the solution was vital to receiving credit, tests were administered on paper, with cameras on the students to make sure they weren't cheating. The different test formats compared to the standard in-person tests were unique and interesting. Even if we do return to in-person classes soon, it would be quite enjoyable to have this kind of variety later, especially in computer science classes. Although being familiar with the conceptual side of object-oriented programming is important, I also really liked the idea of having single day coding project exams, despite the difficulty. College classes are a step above high school in terms of workload, which is not very surprising. In many ways, however, being online does make it somewhat easier. Although access to help may not be as readily available as it would be in person, the entirety of the lecture can be conveniently prerecorded for review, including class notes. The fact that classes are digital also makes them more comfortable to sit through. In CPSG100, I wasn't quite expecting the class to involve this many subjects. I know that the implications under "Science and Global Change" can cover a lot of things. However, I underestimated the depth. We went all out, from discussing the anatomy of a scientific paper, the use of the scientific method, and logical fallacies to going over the foundation of geology, archaeology, and climatology. It was a lot of information to digest, but it was fun to learn more. If I had to give one major criticism, the theme of the class was depressing. Granted, it was not outside of my expectations for it to be that way. But given the fact that our world seems to be deteriorating both physically and politically, with current events in addition to long term problems like extinction and climate change, I was somewhat expecting the class to end on a more hopeful note, something like a light at the end of a dark tunnel. I don't feel like I got that vibe. I'm pretty sure we'll talk about potential solutions next semester, though, so I'm looking forward to it. Another activity I'll be looking forward to in the future is the SGC Field Trips. I wasn't close enough to campus to participate in any of them this year, but next semester I'll be taking the opportunity to go. Due to being stuck at home, I'll admit I haven't been going outside as often as I should. It's making me go a little bit stir crazy. Being off campus this semester somewhat drained the college experience a little bit, despite or maybe because of the comforts of staying at home. To be quite honest, I'm still apprehensive about living on campus, or even being on campus, and being so disconnected from everyone else during the quarantine makes me wonder how long it's going to take getting used to interacting with someone other than a computer screen. The thought occurs that living on campus might make me even more isolated. The sheer absurdity of the situation almost makes me hesitant to share advice that may not apply to anyone else, depending on how the rest of the pandemic goes. Even as the difficulty gets raised and the workload increases to match what one expects of a college student, it still doesn't feel like college. Sometimes it just feels like an extended senior year of high school, like the last few months we had during the start of the pandemic stretched out to fit the rest of the year. With the quarantine, it's easy to pretend like it is. However, it's important never to get too comfortable with the routine. While I don't think it's likely next semester will be the same, there are a few things I can say for next year's incoming SGC students: be flexible, learn to balance the workload, and keep track of the schedule, but also have fun and take it easy. As long as you know what to prioritize in your classes and take things one step at a time, you'll rarely be overwhelmed. Even if you do start feeling the pressure, don't be too hard on yourself. Don't be afraid to acknowledge if a class isn't right for you, but if you think you can handle it, don't give up. Furthermore, if you find yourself especially unhappy with the actions of your professor, remember that you'll always have an outlet to complain. If you survive until the end of your semester, you can complete a course evaluation provided by the school to elaborate on what you think the professor did wrong. Alternatively, you can go to ratemyprofessors.com to share your opinion. Right now, there are very few things within your control, so when you have a choice, don't let the opportunity slip. Click Here to go Back to Home