Trying to Figure It Out

Tonight's post was supposed to be about Studying, but I think I may post it later.  I served on a panel last night for a black women's group on campus and was struck by the young ladies who attended.  Despite the fact that many of them were upperclassmen, some of the verge of graduating, they were still trying to figure out college and making everything work.  Now, by no means do I expect them to be perfect because all phases of life are times of growth, but I was a little surprised -- not by the fact that they were trying to figure it out, but that some of them had not been served well by us.  When I say us, I mean the university as a whole, individual faculty and staff, and the system.

College is a time for growth and exploration.  It's often the first time in a person's life when they are in charge of managing their own lives and negotiating difficult situations.  It is an opportunity to figure out who you are and where you want to go.  On the panel with me was a former Olympian -- pause for moment of awe -- who encouraged the ladies to see college as putting tools in their toolbox for present and future situations.   She sensed the frustration of one attendee and noticed how another wasn't feeding her soul.  When you reach out for help, be it from an advisor, a tutor, a friend, or family there may be time when you're not getting what you need.  The Olympian says walk away in those instances.  Another panelist voiced similar sentiments.  Your path is your own.  Yes, you can learn from what others have done, but they are not you.  In each situation, take what you need and leave the rest.

While there will always be new challenges to figure out at each stage of your life, the key is balance.  That may look different depending on the stage.  You can't be all things to everyone all the time.  You have to know when to let go and when to press forward.  As you press forward as a young scholar, reach out to those whom you trust and who have your best interest at heart.  Find mentors -- academic mentors, spiritual, professional, etc.  People do exist who are willing to listen and offer guidance.  They may not always come in the package you expect, but if you're drawn to someone because something they do or say resonates with you, just go with it.

How Do You Manage?

Time management can be the key to college success.  It takes a lot to do the right thing -- which in academic situations is frequently choosing to study instead of the other things that are so much more fun.  However, at some point being student has to come first.  Otherwise, why be in college?

Creating a time management plan can be tricky, but it's possible.  Now the plan acts as a guideline, but sometimes you may have to rearrange when you do things because life happens.  Some weeks you need to put in more time for a particular subject.  There are instances when family obligations take priority.  Try to use the time management plan to keep you on track.  

I put together a sample time management plan for you.  This one is based on a 14 credit hour load for the semester.  It got a little sticky.  After putting in class meetings and work, I had to find 28 hours for study time and be able to have some sort of a social life. Well, it's hard.  Take a look at what I put together and keep in mind that this doesn't include much social time, organizational meetings, or going to office hours.  The point is that it takes a lot of time to be a good student and unless we're realistic about what it takes, it will be hard to become one.

Check it out and make one of your own. 

Dear Summer . . .

Spending your first summer as a college student following academic pursuits doesn't sound exciting or romantic, does it? If I told you that making strategic choices about how you spend your summer can help propel you forward in your future career, would that sound better?

It's true.  Taking courses, a summer research experience/internship, or study away/abroad are all ways to gain knowledge and/or experience and make yourself more marketable post-graduation.  Each one can serve a different purpose, so I'll sum each of them up.

Taking Classes
If your GPA isn't very strong and you either want to repeat a course or boost your GPA, taking courses may be the right choice for you.  Taking the courses at your institution will replace your first grade with the repeat grade.  If you take courses at another institution, only the credits transfer, not the grades.  This will help by removing the lower grade, but won't boost it by calculating in the repeat one.  Check with your institution to determine whether or not there are stipulations on transfer credits.  I understand if you want to stay on track with your 4-year plan of study, but take it from me . . . most people/employees/graduate schools aren't shocked if you take 4.5 - 5 years to finish undergrad.  Quality is more important in most situations.  So if your GPA is stronger you may want to consider the other two options.

Summer Research/Internship
This will allow you to gain experience in your field.  Summer research programs or internships can either affirm your career choice or let you know the major you've chosen may not be a good fit.  Every major is multi-faceted, so don't be completely dismayed if your first experience isn't an earth-shaking one.  Use it to get a better understanding of your field and don't be disillusioned what about you think the experience should be.  As an undergrad you will rarely find yourself in a position where you are lead on a project that will make or break your employer.  However, you may be doing something that lays the foundation for that work.  Understand where your work fits into the bigger picture and you'll see how you are important.  Research and internships are learning experiences where you can apply your coursework and reinforce understanding.  They are often situations where you will receive guidelines, but not direct instruction -- i.e. room to really problem solve.  They also require self-motivation, the ability to self-pace and manage your time, and make an impression for future letters of recommendation.  Oh, I forgot to mention that you also get paid!

Study Away/Abroad
Study away is going on a domestic trip that doubles as an academic or cultural learning experience.  Study abroad is an international trip for the same purpose.  Depending on the length of the trip, you may or may not take courses.  There are different types of trips; some are academic and others are service-based.  Either way, it's a new place and is always a great experience.  You can leverage this experience when promoting yourself to future employers and graduate programs to highlight your ability to adapt.  Larger institutions have study abroad offices and information sessions that will share criteria, cost, and any possible funding opportunities.  They may be a little harder to identify at smaller schools, but they do exist.

Regardless of the choice you make, think strategically about how you will spend Summer 2014.  Make the most of your college experience.  You'll be glad you did.

Still Bouncing Back

This week's radio broadcast on Tassel to Tassel Radio was all about bouncing back from bad grades.  There I made some suggestions for having a good Spring semester, regardless of your GPA.  The bottom line is . . . you can do well in college.  The key is to identify your talents and be committed to the level of work that is necessary for success.  That is potentially different for everyone so you may have to do things differently than your friends or classmates.

It may take time to get as good as you want to be.  Don't get discouraged; dig in.  I'm not naive; I know at times this is easier said than done.  You can do it if you stick it out.  Etch that class material into your brain by reading, working problems,  seeing your professor, and studying.

Do a little more each day.  Read 10 more minutes.  Do one extra problem.  Ask one question in class or office hours.  The more you do it, the easier it gets.  Soon enough it'll be second nature. I have faith in you.

Starting Fresh

You're two to three weeks into the semester and you're facing a new set of courses and a new set of challenges.  Last semester was a learning experience in terms of both content and the college experience, and you got schooled.  So now what?

Every semester is an opportunity to be better than the semester before.  College can be hard, but it is definitely possible to succeed, with the right tools and attitude.  Look back at where you were in September of last year and what would you go back and tell yourself if you could talk to September you?  Tell yourself and take your own advice.  Did you study too little?  Too much?  Did you balance your academic life with social and personal activities?  Did you find a way to process stress?  Did you use the resources and student services offered by your department or program?

Whatever it is, identify what you did well and what needs improvement.  Be honest and real.  Then, actually improve it. Try it and let me know how you're doing.

Welcome Back!

Today is a new day!  Maybe not today, specifically, but it is a new semester and you are starting fresh.  Whether you are braving the cold or in milder temperatures, the Spring semester has started. Look at this as an opportunity to (re)create your brand.  In a simple sense, your transcript is the foundation for your brand.  However, you have to supplement your grades with things that create a positive, productive image of you.  This includes your social media presence, your participation in student organizations and research, and your attitude.  Keep all of these things strong for the right reasons and you're off to a good start.  

If someone generated a word cloud about you, what would it look like?

First Semester Finish

It's Thanksgiving and we have a lot to be thankful for.  It may not seem like it for some of us, but we've made it. For better or worse .  . . hopefully better, the first semester of college is nearly over.  Regardless of  your academic performance, there have been lessons to learn.  Most freshman students don't hit the ground running, although sometimes it feels as though you're expected to know it all.  So it may take a few weeks, or an entire semester, to figure out what works.

As you go into the last days of class and final examinations, try to stay strong.  Know that cramming isn't the same as learning over the course of the semester, but keep working.  As an educator I encourage you to work on understanding concepts and submitting quality work, not just getting it done.  Use the resources on your campus to help you create an action plan or work through moments of uncertainty.  The writing center, your academic advisor, study groups, or even the counseling center.  Finishing strong is possible and you can do it.