The classes I have taken during my first semester of college have mostly been to my expectations with the exception of CHEM135 and ENGL101. I expected that CHEM135 would have a mandatory lab associated with it but found that it did not. While I enjoy the reduced workload as a result, I also enjoyed the physical parts of the lab, getting to create reactions and applying what is taught in lecture. In my opinion it adds an extra layer of novelty to the course. With ENGL101, I assumed that it would be similar to my high school English classes but found it to be quite different. The course not only explored writing themes that I have not learned about in high school, but it also incorporated many modern social issues into our writings, making us stay in touch with the world around us. The rest of the courses are similar to those I have taken in high school but differ in content and have higher workloads than in high school.
With regards to CPSG100, I was not expecting to discuss other themes besides climate change such as the nature of science and the importance of having an open mind. I welcomed these lessons because it is the first time that I have been exposed to something more philosophical and which makes one pose questions about their convictions. I believe that these discussions also are more applicable to modern life than some of the other material taught in a traditional classroom setting.
As a commuter student, I had less time to complete everything than my peers, additionally I had to go out and buy food and cook for myself which also ate into my time. It was much more fast paced and hectic compared to high school and my schedule was in general much less rigid and prone to change last minute. Occasionally the timeliness of my long-term assignments in my classes have suffered as a result.
For future SGC students I would like to give two pieces of advice, first, your health and wellbeing takes priority. A degree is meaningless if after 4 years you are left with sleep problems, fatigue and the inability to function at your new job. Additionally, time management is paramount. Know your limits and do not push yourself to take on unreasonable schedules. Unlike college, it is very difficult and nearly impossible to do well if you do all your assignments last minute because of your schedule.