Maddie Kupinsky

CPSG 101

May 11, 2021

Freshman Time Capsule for Next Year’s Students

In my freshman year at UMD, although conditions were not ideal with the pandemic, I made some great memories and really enjoyed my classes and professors.

I was surprised at how many unique general education classes were offered. I took GERM255 which was a class about the history and structure behind fairy tale’s evolution. It was quite an interesting class, and one that touched upon many aspects of fairy tale creation. For example, attention to culture, time, feminism, political and socioeconomic status all influenced author’s tales. I encourage the incoming freshman to take the time to look through the general education classes offered to find something the piques your interest.

Developing mentoring relationships with my professors has been difficult with online classes. Breakout rooms over zoom were helpful to get to know some of them better but I am looking forward to in person classes where it will be much easier to form that relationship. My professors have been extremely nice when reaching out to them, and many held office hours weekly. I definitely recommend going to office hours if you are confused in a class, because the professors and TAs are there to help you. It is also useful when you hear other student’s questions because sometimes you did not even realize you had a question on something until they ask it.

Making friends is such a fun aspect about college. There are always people around you and I have met so many wonderful people this year that I have become close with. Friends can also help with the adjustment to college life because they are experiencing everything for the first time just as you are. I know for some it is out of their comfort zone to reach out to new people, but I really encourage it. Everyone is looking to make friends in their first year and they will make your experience a thousand times better!

I found that creating a balance between your social life and your studies can be challenging at first. With so many things to do on and around campus, it can be hard to force yourself to take significant time to study. Once you can figure out what works best for you, the transition will be smoother. There are so many options like knowing you work the best in the libraries or planning out what times you are going to study. Additionally, taking breaks to do things you enjoy is important too. Getting my work done ahead of time to allow time to go out on the weekends has been a huge help for me.

Overall, I had a great freshman year and I hope the incoming freshman will have one too!