Freshman Advice Part 2: The upperclassman perspective

Three years ago I began my journey into a world that was unfamiliar and intimidating. It seemed I had prepared my whole life for this journey, but as my departure date neared, my fear grew. I was entering college.

You are trained from Kindergarten to plan for college. From elementary school to high school, teachers and parents drill into your head all of the things you need to do to get into college. Make good grades, take the ACT pretest, apply for scholarships and join clubs. All of these things are important and help you get into college, but where is all the advice once you get there?

When I started Cameron University as a freshman in 2003, I was so happy to finally be in college. I was nervous but happy. It wasn’t until about the second or third week of classes that reality set in. College was different, and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. There seemed to be so many reading assignments in the textbooks. The professors’   lectures were long, and I had trouble keeping accurate notes.  I had research papers due, and I didn’t know where to start.

Eventually, I found tools that were lifesavers in the dangerous waters in which I was drowning. I learned a few helpful things other than where the best restrooms on campus are located. I learned how to use CU’s resources to my advantage.

One of the best resources I utilized to help with my essays and research papers was the Center for Writers. I probably received a letter grade higher than I would have had I not made trips to the CFW. It is located on the second floor of Nance Boyer.  According to Director Carolyn Kinslow, the Center for Writers is basically a teaching facility. Students should make appointments to go over their papers with tutors who are on staff in the center. However, walk-ins are welcome. Walk-ins are tutored on a first come, first serve basis. There is minimal paperwork involved; one sheet of paper per semester that takes less than a minute to fill out. 

“Writing is never finished, only due,” Kinslow said. “Anyone who would like to further writing skills should come by the Center for Writers, not just those who are struggling.”

One thing to keep in mind is that the center will help steer you in the right direction and help point out mistakes you may be making repeatedly. They will not write your paper for you.

“ The Center for Writers is not an editing service, but we will do our best to help you with what you need,” Kinslow said.

Another lifesaver of mine was the College Reading and Study Strategies course offered at CU. It counts as an elective, and I gained three hours of college credit for taking it. The class offers strategies and tips on things such as how to read textbooks, the most effective way of taking notes, and it helps build library research skills.

Cova Newman has been teaching the class for nine years.

“The course helps you learn the skills in one semester that it takes most students several semesters to learn on their own,” Newman said.

Another tip to surviving college is to utilize campus labs.  There are labs all over campus in almost every subject area set up to help students.  Ask teachers about them, and they will guide you in the right direction for whatever subject you are studying.

It is important to use the resources in place to help you gain the most from your college experience. After all, you have been preparing your whole life for college . . . make the most of it.