My time on campus, academically, has been parallel to what I expected my career as a student to be. I expected my courses to be difficult but fair, and that if I put the time into practicing the concepts, Id do good. So far, it has worked out for me, but Im waiting to hit a wall and really see where I need to change things: whether it be my study habits, sleep schedule, or life balance, I wont know until something goes awry. My major courses have been manageable, but I do find myself waiting for a real break, one that isnt overcasted by the imminent final exams.
CSPG100 has been a course that has stuck out most from my schedule: It is not at all what I expected it to be. I initially assumed wed look at more anthropocene related contingencies of the world and how we are changing it. However, the class has opened my eyes to what research and nature really means - as well as the word “anthropocene”. To be completely honest, I have a hard time finding interest in the world of paleontology, but the study's manner of research is universally applicable. I appreciate the course for introducing me to this new perpective of looking at the world as well as approaching opposing opinions. Lastly, the course has been a good way to meet people outside of my major.
Currently, I live in a rental property off campus. It seems like an anomaly to be in a rental and be a freshman, and I feel the same way. While I dont regret the decision, I am left out from bits of on campus culture like struggling through the dorm life or just being close to a certain locations on campus. Despite my differences from other students, I feel that my college experience is similar to what I expected. Ive definitely expected the large workload and the long hours of studying: however, I definitely couldn't have expected the variety of people I would meet in class and around campus. Some would invite me to hangout which really helped me find a reason to stay on campus and not shut inside. I also find myself studying at the library far more often than I initially thought I would. Ive begun to appreciate the environment and company of other students who are also diligently studying along with me.
While my workload is manageable, Im doing my best to add positions like clubs and research to my daily schedule. Im currently a freshman representative for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Hydraulics Engineer for Engineers without boards, and am looking for research. My quests to find research and a future internship have fallen short however. Ive had some unfortunate responsless interactions with the Primary Investigator I hope to work under. However, I do feel that there is a lot more opportunities to be found on campus, and while I am having a difficult time finding some, Im sure there is one for me if I keep searching.
Another noteworthy aspect of college is my friend groups. Ive built my friend groups through classes and have kept close relationships with those from my old highschool. I believe I'm surrounded by students who want to succeed, and that pushes me to work harder. However, sometimes I'll work on my own and try to get all my work done for the week. This initially was a currator of stress, the work I got done in a day didnt translate to whole weeks of work, so I felt anxious if I didnt do enough. However, I made the change to realizing that the work I do in a day is the work I can do. While I will push myself, I wont ponder and stress over the fact that I still have more work to do. I will get it done but slowly and stress free.
I mentioned earlier that I live off campus, but I didn't mention my roommate. Hes a main driver for why living off-campus enoyable. Without him, I would feel quite down being in solitude after hanging out with friends: having that feeling everyday would be a nightmare. He keeps me in check, and more importantly, I can talk to him. Hes probably the best roommate I could ask for.
If I were to give advice to future SGC scholars I would say that the knowledge you get from this course will better suit you down the line if you wished to go for a doctorate degree. But there are facets, like dealing with fallacies and false information, that will aid you in the real world. And these key pieces of knowledge are worth remembering and keeping with you. Lastly, take everything slow: you should enjoy your freshman year, but use that time to also build a good study regiment too. Balance working and going out with friends. And be safe.