There is no doubt that the excitement of moving off to college, being away from home and meeting new people is overwhelming for any incoming freshman. Classes then begin, many new friends are made and things begin to settle down. Fun is being had, we’re getting confident in college life and then it is time for mid-terms. These classes are harder than anything you have 
encountered yet in life. The grades were not that great, you have a paper due next week that is worth 1/3 of your grade and you’re behind on your readings for that Lit. class. Welcome to your freshman year at college.
That’s OK. You’ll suffer through the rest of the semester and then you get to start all over with new classes and a clean slate. Things will be better. Well I hope so, but the odds are against it. It seems to take a few years of this struggle to learn that you really do need to do the work assigned at the time when it is assigned.
I would suggest that you look at the juniors and seniors that you have met. Sit and ask them about the classes they have and ask what their plans are for after graduation. I think that if you do this you will see a maturity about them that, if you are honest with yourself, you do not possess. This is not their age, it is not really maturity, it is a simple matter of focus. It is an understanding of how things need to be done to succeed. The quicker you have this realization the easier and more rewarding your college experience will be for you.
Many schools have developed peer programs or colloquium classes to help incoming freshman learn these lessons. I find this insulting. You are an adult. But as an adult you need to learn to focus on what is important and focus your energies toward achieving your life goals. I am planning a post soon on working toward your goals. Does any of this sound familiar? Let me hear your comments.
Photo – the librarian – by cindiann
