As my first semester in the Science and Global Change (SGC) Scholars program comes to a close, I find myself thinking back to the expectations I had for college and how different the experience ended up being. Before arriving at the University of Maryland, I imagined college as a place with a ton of freedom, long lectures, and a completely new environment where I could challenge myself academically. Some parts of that expectation were true, but other parts turned out to be very different from what I had pictured. These past few months have been full of exciting opportunities, tough challenges, and more growth than I was ready for. In this reflection, I want to look back on what I expected versus what my real experience has been so far in SGC and at UMD overall.
The biggest difference between high school and college classes has been the structure. In high school, teachers reminded us every day about deadlines and walked us through assignments step-by-step. Here, professors give you the information, but it is up to you to keep track of what needs to be done. No one is checking in to make sure you are caught up. Staying motivated is completely on you, which I was not fully prepared for.
My classes outside CPSG100 have challenged me in new ways. Calculus III, for example, has definitely pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. The material is fast-paced and complex, and falling behind even for a week can make everything a lot harder. But surprisingly, it has also been one of the most rewarding classes. There is something exciting about finally understanding a really difficult concept after working hard on it. I never thought I would enjoy that kind of academic challenge as much as I do now.
I also expected college professors to be intimidating and very serious all the time. But many of them are approachable, funny, and genuinely want students to succeed. The variety in teaching styles has been interesting too. Some classes rely heavily on lectures and exams, while others include group projects, discussions, and creative assignments. That variety keeps things engaging, but it also means I have to stay on top of different types of deadlines and grading systems. In the end, I have learned that college requires a lot more personal responsibility, but it also gives a lot more freedom to explore subjects deeply.
When I first heard about Science and Global Change Scholars, I assumed the class would start with big topics like climate systems and environmental science right away. Those topics are definitely part of the program, but what really surprised me this semester was how much time we spent learning about logical fallacies and the importance of critical thinking in science communication. I had never looked at arguments in such a detailed way before.
Some of my favorite fallacies we covered were No True Scotsman and strawman arguments, mostly because once you learn them, you start noticing them everywhere. It is surprising how often people twist logic, especially in the news or on social media, and how easy it is to fall for misleading ideas if you are not paying attention. Understanding these fallacies made me realize why critical thinking is such an important skill for scientists and anyone who wants to make sense of the world.
As for the things I expected but we have not gotten to yet, I am hoping for more deep dives into climate science next semester. I am still very interested in how scientists measure global change and what solutions exist, and I know that is coming soon. The outside-of-classroom activities were another interesting part of the course. Service Day was something I really enjoyed because it gave us a chance to help the community while getting to know other Scholars. I also attended a talk on the Bill of Rights, which was different from what I expected in a science-based program, but still interesting and informative. These activities made me realize that SGC is about more than just scientific topics. It is also about becoming a well-rounded and thoughtful member of society.
Before coming to UMD, I pictured the college lifestyle as a balanced mix of classes, free time, and hanging out with friends. In reality, college is a lot more work than I expected. There are weeks when it feels like every class has something due at the same time, and it becomes stressful to juggle everything at once.
Still, the independence that comes with being a college student has been one of the best parts of this experience. I get to choose when to study, when to relax, and when to explore campus. Living at UMD means there is always something happening, and I like having the freedom to decide what I want to do with my time. I have met new people, formed friendships, and learned how to balance academics with fun. It is not always easy, but the challenge makes the good moments feel even more rewarding.
If I could offer advice to future students joining SGC, the first thing I would say is to stay organized. Use a planner, set reminders, or do anything else that helps keep track of assignments. With so many different things happening at once, it is very easy to fall behind if you are not paying attention. The second piece of advice is to take time for things you enjoy. Classes will get stressful, and doing something that motivates you will help you stay balanced and energized.
Finally, do not be afraid to struggle. Some of the hardest classes end up being the ones where you grow the most. Ask questions, go to office hours, and work with classmates when you can. Everyone here is figuring things out together, and being willing to ask for help makes everything easier.
This semester has definitely tested me, but it has also helped me grow. There were stressful weeks, tough assignments, and moments where I doubted myself. But there were also great accomplishments, fun activities, and new friendships that made everything worth it. Even the disappointments taught me resilience and how to keep trying. And the unexpected highlights, whether from a class I thought would be boring or a fun event with friends, reminded me that there is so much more to college than just schoolwork.
Looking back at my expectations, college has been very different from what I pictured — but in a good way. I expected it to be challenging, but I did not expect to enjoy the challenge so much. I expected independence, but I did not fully understand how much responsibility comes with it. And I definitely did not expect to spend so much time learning about how to think critically, not just what to think. SGC has already helped shape me into a more curious, thoughtful, and confident student, and I am excited for what the next semesters will bring.