Reflections on My First Semester in SGC
Finishing my first semester at the University has been a lot more surprising and different than I expected. Before I started, I had some idea of what college life might be like; bigger classes, more independent work, and heavier workloads; but actually being here has shown me that it’s more nuanced than I imagined. Between the structure of classes, hands-on experiences in CPSG100, and simply adjusting to life as a university student, this semester has taught me a lot in ways I didn’t anticipate.
The Nature of My Classes
Honestly, most of my university classes, aside from my communications class, have been disappointing in how they’re structured. I knew going into college that classes would be bigger and nothing like high school, but I really wasn’t prepared for just how different it would be. In high school, I never really had to study and got straight As because what we covered in class was enough, and you could talk directly to the teacher without worrying about 200 other people judging you. Now, college classes are mostly set up so that you just get talked at. There isn’t much engagement, and it’s made it really hard to adjust, especially with all the studying that’s now required. The grading structure was also not what I expected. I assumed most grades would come from exams or quizzes, but many classes rely heavily on projects, presentations, or essays. While that can be interesting, it’s also a challenge to stay on top of everything when there’s so much material to cover and fewer opportunities for direct guidance.
CPSG100 and Hands-On Experiences
CPSG100 has been a much better experience overall. I didn’t expect how much the class would focus on hands-on, outside-of-classroom activities. One of the highlights was the service day at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. We spent the day working in the park, removing invasive plants and helping maintain the beautiful wetlands. It was really satisfying to do physical, meaningful work while surrounded by such a serene environment. I enjoyed being outdoors and seeing how small efforts, like pulling out invasive species, can have a big impact on the health of a park. It felt good to contribute to something tangible while learning about ecology and plant management. The trip to New York City to visit the American Museum of Natural History was also very enjoyable, and it was a nice bonus to go somewhere new and explore for free. I enjoyed seeing the fossil halls and the Space Show, and getting the chance to experience the museum in person added a new perspective to what we talked about in class. It was a fun way to see science and history come to life, even if the details weren’t as important to me as the experience of just being there.
Life as a University Student
College life has been very different from what I imagined in high school. Living on campus has been nice for its proximity to classes and campus resources, but it has also been a hard adjustment. Sometimes it’s tempting just to go back to my dorm to relax after classes, and because of the way classes are structured, I really haven’t connected with many new people. I have a few friends I knew from before college, but outside of that, I rarely meet new students. The large class sizes and lecture-style formats make it harder to engage with classmates, so forming connections takes more effort than I expected. Adjusting to this social environment hasn’t always been easy, but it has made me more aware of the importance of putting myself out there and trying to connect when possible, even if it’s challenging. I’ve also had to learn how to balance school with my personal life. Unlike high school, where teachers often reminded you of assignments and tests, in college, it’s completely on you. I’ve had to develop routines and manage my time carefully to stay on top of everything. At the same time, being responsible for myself has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect, especially in staying organized and setting priorities.
Advice for Future SGC Students
For students starting SGC, my advice would be to dive in and make the most of hands-on experiences. Participate in discussions, attend field trips, and take advantage of the chance to do work outside the classroom. Time management is key; plan ahead for projects and readings because things pile up fast. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, as professors encourage curiosity, and being proactive really helps. Lastly, try to make an effort to meet people, even if it feels awkward at first. Living on campus gives you opportunities to connect outside of class, but you have to take advantage of them.
Reflections on the Semester
This semester had its ups and downs. The large classes and lecture-focused structure were challenging, and moving from high school-style learning to managing a full college workload took some adjustment. Despite this, I’ve grown in time management, self-discipline, and taking responsibility for my learning. The field trips and hands-on experiences were highlights. The Kenilworth service day was rewarding because we could make a tangible impact in a beautiful setting, and the New York museum trip was exciting personally, since I’ve always wanted to visit the city. Even though these were just small parts of the semester, they made learning feel alive and added memorable experiences. Overall, this semester reminded me that college is about more than lectures and exams. It’s about managing time, engaging with ideas in different ways, and navigating new challenges. While it’s been tough at times, these experiences made my first semester rewarding and helped me feel more prepared for the future.