College life. It can be a big adjustment for many students and a walk in the park for others. For those who have to adjust, it can become stressful, especially as an entering freshman. Being a freshman myself, I know first semester was a learning experience.
Parties, chilling with new friends and small hang outs all sound so good to someone when they no longer have mom or dad telling them it’s time to come home. It becomes the norm to stay out late on school nights and regret it in the morning, knowing instead you should have been doing that homework assignment for Biology that’s due the next day.
So on that Monday morning you change seats to sit near that smart kid who instead of partying all weekend stayed in their room to finish their work and get an understanding of the material thinking you are going to cheat. They are nice enough to let you jot down the answers before the teacher comes in. But surprise! The teacher decides to give a pop quiz to see how many students really read and worked hard on the assignment you begin panting and your palms become sweaty. What now?
Getting your test back shows you just how much you need to change the habits you have acquired.
I’m saying this from experience. First semester of my freshman year school work was the last thing on my mind.
I spent more time on Twitter seeing when the next party was and hanging out than going in the library to even find out there was a second floor.
Don’t sell yourself short of what you deserve: an education I almost did, causing me to nearly lose both a scholarship and my financial aid. For me, it was easy to adjust to the fun and care free part of college but not the work.
Granted it is good to socialize and meet new people who you will one day be able to call friend, but there’s a time for that. That friend will not be in class with you when it’s time to take that midterm or final. Really, there is a time for play and a time for work.
In my case, it could have ended much worse. I have learned that I’m the one who has to pay tuition here and it’s up to me to get my money’s worth of an education. This semester was given the second chance to prove myself I became familiar with the library and actually stayed there long enough to study. So, with midterms here I’ve made better grades than I’d expected.
I have learned the lesson that college is more than partying and fun; it’s where I have educated myself on managing my time between school, studying and friends wisely.
If you can relate to this in any way right now the best thing to do is go to the library, sit in a chair and study. If that doesn’t seem to work get a tutor or use those same friends you spent time to party with as study partners.
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