I just finished my first semester of college, and reflecting back, I had a lot of ups, like rediscovering my passion, and lots of downs, like not doing well on exams. I also got to experience new things, make new friends, and learn new things about the world and myself. This is an essay reflection on the first semester.
Classes: I was surprised by how differently each class was structured. My MATH140 class felt very similar to the math classes I took in high school. The lectures were focused on examples and practice problems, and the discussions were used to go over what we learned the day before. My science classes were a completely different experience. For example in CHEM135 I was surprised by how much content the professor covered in just one lecture and how little they simplified things for students who were seeing chemistry for the first time. I also did not expect to rely so heavily on the textbook. I ended up teaching myself most of the class using the book, practice problems, and Quizlet. One thing that surprised me in a good way was how helpful GSS sessions and TA office hours were. When I was really struggling, those one on one moments with the TA helped way more than I expected. I came into college knowing that studying would take a lot of time, so that was not shocking, but I was surprised by how often professors could not break topics down when I asked questions.
CPSG100: I did not expect us to spend so much time on things like logical fallacies, pseudoscience, and the Honor Code. I thought the class would be more focused on science topics, but instead we talked a lot about how to think critically, how people get misled, and how to evaluate scientific claims. I thought there would be more hands-on science or small experiments where we applied what we learned. I also expected the class to explore more current scientific issues outside of climate topics, such as new technology or medical discoveries. The outside of classroom activities were different from what I imagined too. I thought we would be doing more science based projects, but most activities were focused on building community or learning to navigate campus life. It was still fun, just not what I pictured coming in.
University life: Coming into college, I expected the level of rigor, but I did not expect the amount of assignments or how long each one takes. In high school, I had a lot of work, but it did not take nearly as much time. Here, even if I only have one or two assignments, I can spend hours on each. Studying is the same way. In high school, a quick review or a couple of practice problems were enough for me to get a good grade. In college, I spend hours doing practice tests and repeating concepts before I feel prepared. I also spend way more time outside of class reteaching myself topics, especially in my STEM classes. In high school, paying attention in class was usually enough to get an A, but that is not the case anymore. Living on campus has been a big adjustment, too. There is so much freedom, which is nice, but it also means you have to balance studying with all the events and late-night activities happening around you. It is easy to get distracted, but it also makes college life more fun and social than I expected.
Advice for future SGC students: My biggest advice is to get involved early. The first few weeks of the semester are when you actually have the most free time, so explore as many clubs and opportunities as you can. Join things, talk to people, try different activities, and see what works for your schedule and what you actually enjoy. It is so much easier to try things out in the beginning than to jump in halfway through the semester when you are already stressed. For classes, do not fall behind. Start assignments early, study a little bit every day, and find a routine that keeps you on track. Even doing just 20–30 minutes a day for each class helps so much more than cramming everything into one night. Build good habits from the start because once the semester gets busy, it becomes harder to catch up than people expect. Also, do not be scared to ask for help. GSS, office hours, and even talking to classmates can make a huge difference when you are confused or stuck. College can feel overwhelming at first, but finding a balance early on makes everything easier. Overall, get involved, stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take care of yourself. These are the things that made the transition to college easier for me and hopefully what will make it easier for you as well.