Tuesday, June 8, 2010
What Stands Out About College?
When I think about college, the first thing that comes to mind is a class with 300 people in it where the professor could care less about how fast he or she is going or if the students are actually grasping what is being taught. In my mind, college is the place where you get lost, get overwhelmed and stressed out along with struggling to pass your classes so you can keep your scholarship and graduate on time. However, these fears subsided when I came to UT. Even though some of them are still there, such as getting overwhelmed and passing, I have a new point of view on college and how it stands out. I have only been here a week, but things other than my fears about college are beginning to stand out. The one aspect of college that is standing out in my mind now is how much the university is devoted to helping its students succeed. There are so many places and programs that are here specifically for helping the students. We have academic advisors to help us with our classes and academic coaches to help us with our questions, with getting tutors, and so on. Previously, i thought college was a place where I would be completely on my own and I had to figure everything out by myself. Now, I know that there are an abundant amount of resources that can ease my transition into college as well as keep me on track, help me get a job, and make sure I take the classes I need. I know that they aren't there to hold my hand or call me if I miss a class, but I do know that it is my responsibility to contact them if i need assistance. I am lucky to have the solution to my fears stand out in my mind in place of the fears themselves. Knowing that I have all of these people and facilities at my fingertips, I feel a lot better about being a college student. All I see in front of me is succeeding in the future and being able to have a smoother ride there than I had previously assumed.
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading through your post, Mandy! I totally understand your fears upon entering into college and I am glad that they have since subsided after entering UT and joining this program.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right that your parents are not going to be here to hold your hand or tell you when to wake up, but given that, there are several other individuals put in place to help you transition and to help you succeed in college. Although some of your professors will not care whether you succeed or fail, many of them do and will---like me! And they will try to do whatever they can to help you accomplish your goals for their class---like me! However, you are also right in that it is your responsibility to ask for that help. Otherwise, how else will they know what you need help with or that you need help in the first place.
I am so excited to be able to watch you grow and develop and begin your college career. I am confident you will excel and be a shining role model for your peers. Good luck to you and feel free to also use me as a resource for assistance if ever you need it!
Ms. Chutney :-)