The Topic: Experience at UMD
The nature of classes definitely proved its difficulty from what I expected at the University of Maryland. I learned a lot about the information being taught and myself during this process. It helped me grow as a person and a student through activities in and out of the classroom.
We covered the ways people thought, fallacies, and evolution. I did not expect these things because I had expected to learn about the environment in which we lived. We did do those things, but a vast level I had never thought could happen. How humans interact with each other and their environments can pose as either a large help or threat to our home. Another thing I did not expect was for us to learn how to code. This was the furthest thing I thought we would do, let alone make our own website. However, it does have a connection. How we connect with I thought that all of our excursions would take us somewhere like our Service Day did. However, I should have expected a museum at some point. I wasn't expecting one in New York, though!College demands more and pushes you to do more. It was a harder and heavier workload. All the while I had a job, was on my hall council, and the sustainability committee. Time management has to become even more implemented into my daily life with the multiple things that I have to do. It has been a struggle and I am still trying to adjust, but I will never stop trying. It has been a welcoming experience from the beginning and continues to do so. There is a lot more community than there was in high school and I am so thankful for it. There are constant events around you that you can join at any time. They have so many resources here to help you. They have tutoring, study sessions, study rooms, etc. We even have peer mentors who will help you with whatever you need! Living in the dorms is definitely an adjustment, but getting along well with my roommate helped a ton. I made friends from this program who are some of my favorite people and we ended up living on the same floor! Now we hang out every day and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
For future SGC students, balance is everything. Whether you are studying, socializing, passing, or failing, having a mix that works best for you and your future can take you far. Also, do not stress too much about any class. No class is worth your mental health. Most importantly, be open. Being open to opportunities and new people can take you far, not just in college, but in life. They can bring the most unexpected treasures life has to offer. Overall, college made me realize it is not about the success you make along the way, but the persistence you show every time you fail.