My First Semester.

A brief look back at my first semester at American University! Also Happy NEW YEAR!

Lessons From My First Semester

When I started college I knew the work would be hard, but I learned this semester to start working smarter - not harder. For example, when taking classes, writing an assignment or just studying, in general, it is best to pick a topic and class based on your interests. In my writing class, I had to write a ten-page report on conspiracy theories behind climate change. I remember erroneously thinking it would be an easy paper to write. Looking back, I learned nothing from writing this paper and I didn’t learn much on that entire unit in my writing class. But when the next assignment came around, I chose to write on the topic of colorism and the American beauty standard, and the paper was much easier to write. Lesson learned. I realize that I hate any classes that require a lot of writing. Next semester I am taking a much more interesting writing class with less work. So my main advice for a first-semester freshman would be to choose a subject that interests you so the class becomes a little more bearable.

With regard to my expectation of AU, I expected too much. Being in FDDS I felt an enormous load of to succeed. Even though the program can be rigorous at times, I can honestly say that I have grown so much more as a person because of it. I pushed out my comfort zone and to be quite honest I learned more with from the experience with the program than I did in some of my classes. My family and friends were my support system in many ways. My family offered support from afar. For the first time ever, I didn't hear anything grade wise from my parents. In high school, my parents thought support was constantly checking on my grades, which stressed me out even more, but when I came to college my parents were a lot more relaxed, which I think really pushed me toward a successful because I was getting the grades for me, not my parents. In My friends were also supportive. When they saw how stressed I became, sometimes they would quite literally take me off campus to get the mind off of my strenuous course load. Without that support, I don’t want to think how this semester might have ended.

When it came to campus resources, I wouldn’t go a week without going to office hours. I believe it was truly helpful for my success in my classes. In particular, the Math and Stat Lab really helped me a lot for my Calculus class. Even though some of the professors were difficult to understand at time, rather than sitting in the lecture confused, and agonizing over the information alone in my room, I found that sitting down with them one-on-one helped me retain the information.

On the topic of choosing a course, don’t take classes because it looks good on your transcript. I would advise truly looking at the course, and the source, before registering. This past semester I asked for advice from a student who enjoys classes I don’t really enjoy. Following her advice, I took a writing class with a certain professor. Midway into the semester, I realized that I had been advised by a student who thoroughly enjoys writing. Because I genuinely hate writing, this class was difficult to go at to at times because of my lack of interest. If I had taken class with a professor who was more accommodating I think this course would have been a better experience.

Another piece of advice for a successful semester is to learn how to balance work and play and to take breaks when needed. For example, at times I dreaded going to my Honors class due to the confusing lectures, abstract topics and the elitist attitude the professors gave off. What I learned from that class is to manage my time and that self-care is important because this class was mentally draining. If that meant to take a break and go to eat with friends to escape for a moment, that is what I did. I really think proper self-care habits like getting a good amount of sleep and eating regularly are important health habits when adjusting to college.

Next semester, I hope to do much better than I did this semester. Although I think I will end strong this semester, there is still some room for improvement. For example, I will employ better note taking in my social science classes and strive to learn more of the content in my difficult classes. I learned in AUXx1 that discussion is useful so I plan to listen more and discuss on a topic that I can relate to and when a conversation is brought up where I have no place to speak due to my lack of experience, I will listen instead of just speaking for participation. I hope the rest of the class has that mindset as well. In conclusion, if I could travel back in time to advise my pre-college self, I would say “chill; take a minute to take in the surroundings; listen and don’t speak, and consider the source before taking advice. Relax Gianna - You got this!”