Kieron Schmitt's "Expectations vs. Reality" Reflection Essay

The nature of my college classes really did not surprise me. I already knew beforehand just by looking at my schedule that I would be taking fewer classes than I did when I was in high school. I also knew from either friends already in college, social media, and family that the classes in college would be much harder and independent than in high school. I took two math classes: Calc 3 and Linear algebra which took up the majority of my work. As far as those 4 credit classes go, the workload itself was only decided off of weekly quizzes and exams. I enjoyed this over the previous consistently graded homework. My professors knew me a lot less which was a major difference when compared to high school. However, the professors were easily reached by email or office hours. For my other classes, ARTH200 and COMM107, the work was similar to high school classes. The workload was frequent but followed what we were doing in class and was for the most part simple. As far as CPSG100, I had no real idea what the main themes of the class were prior to joining. I knew there would be a focus on global change, but I had no idea what specific part of "science" we would be learning from. The learning of the scientific method and Sagan's toolbox stood out to me. I believe the class is about thinking like a scientist and applying those skills to real life situations. One example would be finding some crazy information online, and choosing to be skeptical about it rather than just blindly believing anything that lines up with my ideals. I expected the class to cover more qualitative data rather than exploring more into the thought process of science. As far as outside-of-classroom activities, I was also not going in expecting anything. The excursion report I went to was very interesting and thought-provoking. Also cleaning up the marsh was more fun than I thought it would be, but also more draining as well. Overall I enjoyed the excursions and enjoyed having so much information about them posted before each sign up was available. As a University student, who also lives in Centreville, life is much different than at home. There are no more home-cooked meals, my group of friends all went to different schools, and I have to remember many more events than I used to. Making friends in college is much easier than in high school and so is socializing. The overall environment is much more on my own, but I feel I am being well-prepared for the real world. Being a college student makes me feel one step closer to living completely on my own. My family only lives a little over half an hour away, which makes things much easier. I have visited home multiple times, so I never truly have gotten homesick. Overall the course load is heavier than in high school, but since there are fewer classes, the previous class time just becomes homework time. Compared to my high school vision, this is what I expected. I was not sure how easy it would be to socialize coming into college, but I was pleasantly surprised. I already knew that my friends would be going to different schools, and I was prepared to be on my own for a bit. I have gotten used to eating alone, going to the gym alone, and studying alone. Through this alone time, I have gotten much more comfortable being alone and I embrace the quiet time. For future SGC students, I recommend that they set a consistent alarm and bedtime for each day. I also recommend that they continue to exercise in some way either through Eppley Recreation center or some other means such as a club or intramural team. I encourage that new students do not spend all of their money on door dash and chipotle, even though in the moment the freedom makes it taste even better. Eat fruits and vegetables, call your family often, and stay in touch with old friends. The transition really is not as hard as it seems, and you will be so excited that you won't even realize you are now a University student. Another tip I have is to hold onto your favorite hobbies, as they can slip away at college. I played trumpet for about eight years, and have stopped all together since I got here. Unless you make an effort to continue your hobbies, no one is going to make you do them. I plan on returning to the trumpet through some type of club next semester. Overall, the scholars program has helped me develop a sense of community, as a few of my friends are also in the program and everyone in my building is very nice and approachable. The class SGC was very interesting, and I plan on taking it next semester.