Getting Started In College
We all have laid witness to some of the whines and literal outbursts of upset friends or other classmates all because they weren’t getting their way. Something unanimously overheard by many college professors in those confrontations over the years was that you are not in your little fishbowl of a town anymore and that we, as instructors, have a responsibility to protect the integrity of this class and keep things fair for everyone.
Staying the Course
One of the first things you realize when starting college is that there is no one really staying on top of you to get things done in a timely manner or telling you the consequences of not doing your assignments. There’s always been an ongoing consensus on the consequence of what would happen if you didn’t do the required course material on the appropriate time dated. You would simply lose out on that grade and receive a zero for that particular assignment. There usually are no make-up tests, quizzes, or assignments that are offered and this instills in us all the ability to remain accountable for all of our coursework over the semester.
New To College
A lot of newly-minted first-year college students tend to have issues with staying the course and doing the work it takes to get through the course. It is fair to say, however, that it is okay to slack off a little from time to time while in college, but it is also important to always try to do the best you can do so that you can get something out of the experience. That is truly what college life is all about, the experience you gain from everything you invest in. There are those students who are used to being catered to by not just from their parents, but even the teachers that they may have had in high school, and that tends to really do a number on their willpower to be successful in all of their prospective pursuits while finishing college.
You also tend to hear things like, “If you don’t do the work, you weren’t going to be able to pass the class.”
You can imagine how well that usually goes most of the time if you are ever in the crossfire of those little spats. Those same speeches that are spoken to us were the ones that were ingrained in our very DNA fibers at the earliest of ages and yet, time and time again somebody always thinks that the rules don’t apply to them before reality slaps them square and center. These are the perpetual reminders for how not to act in college.
You’re Only Going to Get What You Give
So remember college Freshmen, you are in college to pursue your dreams and to learn. Nothing in this life is ever going to be given to you outright and it’s better for you to understand this basic truth now as it will prevent you from further disappointment in the future. Don’t allow yourself to become victimized by your own expectations and just ask for help when you need it. But remember to do the work! This prospect is for you and not anyone else, so just remember that and make time for your studies. Create a system that works for you in order for you to complete assignments and to be successful while you are here.
Here’s a Little Tip
The biggest advice overall that can be given to students here at Gulf Coast State College new or old is to never give up on your dreams and that it all will take work, but it will be worth it if you want it bad enough. So the real question becomes, “Do you want it bad enough?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Clinton Brantley
Student Author - Fall 2020
Love and light friends!