This is supported by how generous the class structure is. The work is based directly on what we learn and read. Answering the assignments offers a time to reflect on what I’ve learned from the end of lecture questions about how we would grade cheaters to learn about the layers of the atmosphere. That is just something I love about the class. Compared to all my other classes, this one is really a refresher. Although I haven’t met everyone yet since this is college I hope that I can soon at least learn a name for everyone.
Overall, I did not expect to learn about coding in this class, as that was a whole different world I knew vaguely or not at all. Additionally, I did not expect to be indulged in the many different extinctions the world has seen throughout time, which is very interesting. Like HTML coding, it felt like a whole different world, and looking back now, learning to code HTML was a hassle, yet with the help of my mentor, it was manageable. I am looking forward to the future. We examined how those implementations connect to past great extinctions and to our road now, specifically how we can fix it using solutions to reduce greenhouse gases.
The activities outside the classroom did not just meet my expectations; they exceeded them. I had so much fun wading in the water and picking up tons of dead leaves and plants. I ended up in a group (Dustin's) that managed to get the most wheelbarrows filled up. Furthermore, I ended up with a scar on my left arm from all the thorns because I didn't expect to be working that hard, but it was really fun, and I enjoyed making connections with people who are now friends.
Looking back on myself on how I see college, it is very different than I thought it would be. From the media and based on my major I saw it as a place where it was working 24/7 and I was going to be someone in my room locked away. Really it was quite the opposite, though I am being academically challenged. I enjoy partaking in that and really I am in a whole new world that ranges from friends I made that don't have the same class, to people pushing 20+ collaborating in projects to even conversing with professors. I am actually shocked at the way UMD is from an outsider perspective. I am a DMV native and I could never imagine the campus to be this diverse in its opportunities such as clubs, different classes, etc. Three worlds such as the north and south campuses and how different they are. And ultimately how LARGE this campus is. Really a work out here.
The advice I would give to someone joining the SGC program is to have fun, because the professors are really very understanding and nice. For instance, I had a situation where my laptop was not working for two weeks. I talked to my professor, and he said it was all good and to just submit it as soon as I could. I ended up turning in nearly three assignments two weeks late and still received full credit, which really took a weight off my shoulders because I do not like turning stuff in late.
Furthermore, I would tell SC members not to sweat it because the class is something that helps you become more well rounded. It provides an opportunity to build connections, which is helpful not only now but in the long run. If you are friendly with your professors and assistants, you can get excellent letters of recommendation. To reiterate what I said, just enjoying it is the best you can do to get the most out of the class.