As a first semester college student, a lot happens in a very short period of time. Beginning with classes; despite my high school teachers’ best efforts, there was really no way to know what was expected. I had taken multiple classes at my local community college, but was still surprised at classes at the University of Maryland. High school is inherently different given the size of classes and their daily recurrence. A great example of this is calculus. In high school, I was taught single variable calculus by starting at the very basics. The connection between algebra and calculus was discussed for the first two weeks of the class (essentially 10 hours just covering this). As a result, visualizing equations, derivatives, and integrals in two dimensions became extremely easy. However, multivariable calculus in college has been very different. I was not given a foundation like I received in high school, and have only now (3 months into the semester) begun to be able to visualize these complex equations. In terms of pace, I have found college classes similar to my more challenging high school classes. The amount of content has not changed, but the amount of hand holding has significantly decreased. My professors are much less invested in the outcome of their teaching in comparison to my high school teachers. Some of my teachers care much more about progressing through the curriculum than anyone’s ability to absorb what they are teaching. So far, this is a challenge I am enjoying. I have always been eager to become an independent adult, and I feel that my classes are a more accurate reflection of real life.
CPSG has been one of my more pleasant classes. I was surprised how much of the beginning of the semester revolved around ways to make us pursue science better, between logical fallacies and academic dishonesty. This was definitely something rather unique thus far in my education, with all of my past classes focusing purely on the semantics of science. I was expecting CPSG to be like these classes and stay focused purely on the science of climate change. I thoroughly enjoy CPSG’s out of class activities as well. My peer mentor, Akiro Licitra, is wonderful and very helpful. Our talk at the beginning of the year helped me plan my exam studying schedule and how I wanted to go about my classes. Our service day was quite fun, and competing for the pizza party was a great way to bond with our classmates. Eating the pizza that we won was very fun and rewarding as well. The scholars' community events have been a great way to embellish the scholars community’s camaraderie as well. I enjoyed activities like the hot chocolate gathering, and the beginning of the year block party.
Life in college has been good. Most of the things I envisioned are happening. I have a lively social life, spending almost all my free time with my friends. I have met many people since the beginning of the semester and am thoroughly enjoying spending more time with my friends than I did in high school. My workload has been somewhat surprising. I was expecting much more homework and many more deadlines. However, the majority of my work is actually studying. Not only are the grades for my classes majority exams, but I generally have very few assignments per week. I have had a midterm every week in October and November, which was quite challenging. Learning to study properly while balancing my homework was a struggle. I had multiple exams that were on the same day as well, so learning how to manage my work load was crucial.
For a future SGC student I would start by telling them that it is unlikely college will come as naturally as high school. I always felt like high school was very easy, and so did most of the people I knew. Maintaining my grades was never a challenge until this year. It is normal to be a bit out of your depth at the beginning, and the grades might not be perfect to start. Another very important thing that I have learned is that your TA’s are your best resource. As I said earlier, many of your professors are not extremely invested in your outcome, so TA’s are a great resource for a more passionate and hands-on teacher. Along with your TA, classmates are also very helpful. Studying with my friends and having someone to compare notes with is always beneficial. Trying to get to know your professors is also something to try. It is admittedly very difficult, especially in very large classes and with intimidating professors, but even just one professor to whom you are close can help with career and course planning, letters of recommendation, and overall support. These professors are all people who have found success in a field that is similar to yours, and they have many insights on how to help.