Expectaions vs. Reality Essay

When I was first invited to the scholar's program at the University of Maryland, I did not know what I was expecting. As I researched it, I became very interested in the Science and Global Change. It stood out to me from the others. I knew I had a passion in Environmental Science, but I did not know how I could most actively play a role in helping our planet. Out of all the scholars that Science and Global looked like it could prepare me the best for this task. And so far, I think it has been.

In this essay, I will first talk about the nature of my first semester classes. Secondly, I will explain my thoughts on the material we have reviewed in class and outside-of-classroom activities. Thirdly, I will show my perspective on live as a University of Maryland student. Fourthly, I will give advice to future Science and Global Change students that will help them ease their selves into college life. Lastly, I will conclude my final thoughts on the Scholars Science and Global Change path at University of Maryland and state if I recommend it or not to future scholars students.

As to the nature of my classes, I am a math major. And I came in with a decent amount of credits that transferred to my major. For some context, my first semester classes consisted of Calculus 2 (MATH 141), introduction to programming in java (CMSC 131), the Manhattan Project (PHYS199M), Academic Writing- Scholars (ENGL101S), and of course, Science & Global Change First-Year Colloquium. I don't know what I was expecting coming into college, but this was not it. Suddenly it is hard to wake up at 7:30 am every morning. I dont know if it is something in the water, but the effects of college are real. The material in classes is much harder than anything I ever covered or completed in high school. The class schedule is different. If I miss a class no one really cares unless it's a final. I have more freedom. I have to fend for myself sometimes when it comes to needing something. I have learned many things through my classes. Topics that I don't like and topics that I do like. I realized that even though I am a math major, math is sometimes not fun. I learned that computer science is something that can be very frustrating at times. In my Manhattan Project class I learned the brave stories of the men and women who worked on the Manhattan Project. And my English class taught me how to write at a college level. Overall, I enjoyed my classes. They mostly consisted of topics I either enjoyed or stuff I knew would become necessary to know for future classes.

In our scholar's class I have enjoyed the material so far. Most of it at least. I don't like coding or writing in html. It's very annoying and finicky to me. The logical fallacies section seemed a little unnecessary to me, but I understand the importance of it. The material that I have enjoyed is the material that focuses on things we can do to improve the health of our Earth. There was also some material about the basic systems that cause the work to function that I enjoyed, but I already knew most of it from past science classes. The scholars service day and visit to Washington DC were both enjoyable. While I wish I was not scammed into paying for a $14 smartTrip card my first time going, it was still a fun experience in DC. The scholars service day was fun because I met many of the people that I am still friends with. So far, the material in our class seems a little elementary but I still enjoy most of it. I had a special experience where I interviewed Professor Holtz concerning his knowledge on what we can do to improve the earth by decreasing our carbon emissions from Internal Combustion Engine cars and the responses he gave me were very well constructed and helpful. So far, I enjoy the class material and understand the significance of it.

When it comes to life as a University of Maryland student, its pretty good. The food is not always the best but it's always there so that's atleast something. I have a good group of friends and I like my roommate. My weekends are fun and I'm not as homesick as I thought I was going to be. I like having the independence and freedom of a college student.

If I had to give advice to a future SGC student to ease them into college life, I would say to always pay attention in lectures, to always do your homework and assignments on time, and to never be afraid to reach out to professor or a student as it will create bonds that will be beneficial to your college experience.

In conclusion, I would recommend the scholars path to future college students. It is an interesting path that forces you to meet new people. It is not to challenging and as far as I know it will make you more appealable to future employers if they see you completed the path.