Getting through
fr eshman year
By Jaime DeJesus For most, being an undergraduate student, especially during your fi rst semester, is a confusing
and sometimes overwhelming time. If you come from a high school that was hands-on with your
academic future, moving on to a big or even small college campus can have you feeling a little lost.
You are given more freedom and independence, which is a healthy progression and growth.
Nonetheless, it’s easy to feel confused in an environment where you are asked to be more
proactive. There are normal growing pains, but it’s important to acknowledge a potential issue
rather than ignore it.
Here are some tips to get through some of the more trying times.
A clean slate
Let’s say that you didn’t perform as well as you would have
liked in high school. You didn’t take your fi rst two years seriously
or didn’t fi nish strong. You could’ve spent more time prepping
for the SATs.
Regardless of what college you have gotten into, you have a
golden opportunity to start over. Sure, you’ll be forced to take
core classes that may bore you to tears, but you’ll have the
opportunities to fi nd yourself academically.
Most of your peers will be very focused on schoolwork so
the environment will be more conducive to paying attention to
what’s most important. What happened before doesn’t matter.
Find what your passions are and go all in. Don’t be afraid of
failure as long as you try hard. This is your chance at a new work
ethic. Set the tone early.
Take advantage
Jump right into it and fi nd a list of activities, sports or clubs
that pique your interest. You may not get involved with all of
them or even most of them, but it will give you a feel for what
your school has to off er more than just seeing the options at an
open house.
Want to hit the gym or shoot hoops? Visit all the facilities.
Meet friends and get recommendations on diff erent great spots.
Chances are you’ll have breaks in-between classes. Use them
constructively. As important as grades are, experiences also
shape who you are.
QNS.COM
WINTER 2017 29