Well, has it not been a long time?
I have not forgotten about you, don't fret. Life just, got busy. And it gets busy. Just had to take some time to get my ducks into rows. Did I get them into rows? Yeah. Right. Obviously you need to read my blogs from the beginning.
My first term of college has been hectic to say the least. I have met new people, gone to new places I never thought I would make it to, learned new things about the world, and about myself. I also learned about burning the candle at both ends, homework, and failing classes. This is real life, folks, and we are about to get down to the nitty-gritty. So if you can handle it, and would like to see what the 2000's have done to college, even though not much has changed throughout the years, then sit back, grab a soft pillow, your favorite hot beverage and put on some calming forties music, that's what I am listening to, so let's connect, my friends.
Are you settled in? Because I can wait. OK? Let's go.
So they tell you in high school that your professors do not care about you, you will have endless amounts of homework, there are parties every single night, and boys and girls might as well be filming pornography in class. Well, they might not say the last one, but they are only right about one thing; the homework.
The key to success in college? Go to school two-three days a week, all day or not, who cares. Do homework when you can those days, but don't make it your priority. Then, take one to two days, and devote it to homework, and yourself. I don't mean friends, parties, drinking, clubbing, and the likes. I mean your health, your body, exercise, take a hot bath, study, go over lectures. Spend that day benefitting no one else but yourself. And please, stay off of media sites. And the other two or three days? Part-time job, my friends. If you don't work throughout your college career, then I am going to assume that you are rich and mommy and daddy have got your tuition paid for. Guess what? You still need to learn what "earning your keep" is. Sorry folks, didn't mean to sound so honest there.
So myth busting away, your professors will care about you more than anything, they care about how much you understand, and not what you regurgitate during a test. Questions? Email their TA. Important Questions? Email them directly or meet them. They will work to your needs. Refreshing, isn't it? Also, parties do not exist in college unless you are part of a frat/sorority house. Still, they are rare. In college, homework is vital to any passing class, so parties are hard to find unless it is a community college. But they still do happen, so don't think that your life is over. But please be careful. Date rape is a huge concern on any campus and rises every year, the buddy system is a life saver though, use it!
Another lie that is told; well not a lie, but really a misconception. You get the list of assignments, and then it is up to you to keep up with them. This is partially true. You do get the assignments for the beginning of the term to the end, and then they keep reminding you as due dates are coming up. They really are there for the success for you, and that brings me to the next point. No one cares if you come to class. Well, my friends here is the killer truth: If you want to pass the class, then face the fact that half of your points to any of your classes go to your attendance. Don't show up, don't pass the class. Most of your exams and such will be based heavily on the lectures, so if you aren't there, then how will you pass the test? Read the book? Guess what. Reading does nothing if you read it all and only go over half.
Thus brings to the next one! I know it is long and tedious but I want this to be out there for you, so you have insight to the world, and what to expect. Let me also make clear that if you ever need anything I welcome messages and comments on this blog, because I want to help. I am not a professional, nor can I give any professional advice. But I can give an opinion, or try to relate. Or just listen... Well read. I am great at observing.
Any way, last point that I can consciously think of. All classes are huge lectures with the teacher speaking, and everyone listening. Maybe it a big university such as Yale, or Harvard but not a smaller more urban school. There are classes that are required for every student based on their years, and in that class, it is an intimate setting, with small classes and engaging one-on-one conversations. Even in lectures there is engaging. Because, truth be told, having a higher up professor talk at you for hours does not get through to everyone. So, to see how everyone is getting it, they like to engage, and also like to know what you think. Most of the professors do not enjoy lecturing and hearing their own voices for two to four hours.
So here was a little myth busting for you. It does not cover all colleges, universities, law schools, they are all different. But the thing is, college is not scary, it is a place for you to make friends, meet new people, and more importantly, find yourself. Actually, I would use the term
meet yourself. But that's another blog!
-Glad To Be Back