Practically everyone has worries. Whether it be testing scores or new schedules, the sinking, dreading feeling of anxiousness besets many college students on a day-to-day basis. To have worries is just to be human. Although it is completely normal to be anxious about college, there are always ways to prepare yourself for what is to come.
The Beginning of Classes
Do not fear the syllabus! I repeat; do not fear the syllabus! There will forever be that class with a ton of assignments listed. Nevertheless, getting acquainted with what you will accomplish during the semester can do wonders for time management. Planners and calendars are your friends. I typically color code my classes so I know specifically what I am looking at to help me plan ahead. Since most professors expect you to have read the syllabus anyways, it is also a good way to show that you are taking an interest in the course.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while all the essays, quizzes, and tests may appear quite scary, they might not be as bad as you think. This does not mean you won’t have to study as hard! But don’t assume the difficulty level of the class until after the first couple of assignments. This will help you set your expectations better and hopefully allay some syllabus shock!
Academics and Pressure
Students can often feel pressured into feeling as if they did not work hard enough to get perfect scores for all their classes. This may then cause worries over assignments. Do not feel as if you need to be the perfect student. If you are working to your best ability, please feel proud of what you have accomplished. Even if the grade you receive is not one that you would have liked, take comfort in the idea that this is also a learning experience. Try, try again to achieve what you want, not just what others want from you. Failing is just how a person learns. How can you move forward if you are not learning anything from your classes? Bad grades do not define you. In fact, I would argue that they help shape you as a person instead. What you take away from a class is entirely up to you — the more effort you put in, the more you’ll gain!
Fearing Social Activity
Have you ever been swamped with millions of questions about what to do for seminars or group activities? Interacting with new people can be nerve-racking. How do I dress? What do I say? This will probably be a lingering feeling for most classes, but that does not mean you should not speak up. If one student has a question, another is often already thinking about the same thing. Do not be afraid to raise your hand and get to know others around you in class. Socializing is healthy for us and can be very beneficial for studying and comparing notes! Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone is a good thing.
Unknown Futures
Trust me, I understand the alarm behind not knowing exactly what you are going to accomplish in your lifetime. However, if you are undecided about what you’d like to do, that is okay! Not everyone will know what occupation they are most interested in right away, and it definitely should not be a light decision! Think the options through. Changing majors is also totally normal. If something does not turn out the way you thought it would, you have the option to change your path. There is nothing wrong with not having your mind completely made up yet. It is, after all, what you will be doing for most of your life.
The Bright Side
When I first arrived at Cedarville, I was terrified. There were so many new people and places and new struggles that I thought would be the end of me. I typically worried about social activities around me and doing well on every assignment I had. As you walk through your 1000 Days, some of these may seem like silly worries. Regardless, I do not think any of us can escape from worries entirely. I think that as we continue living at college, we should attempt to look at how these worries can help us. They make us see things we are uncomfortable with and what we need to work on to enhance our skills. And most of all, they help us rely on God and build a deeper relationship with Him. He has commanded us to cast all our worries on Him and trust Him to look after us. Instead of worrying about worrying, use your worries as a chance to come before the Lord and rely on His strength.
Name: Lily Debiak
Major and Year of Graduation: English, class of 2028
Favorite Study Spot: I typically study in my dorm room, but I sometimes sit in the Scharnberg Business and Communication Center.
Favorite Music Artist: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Favorite Quote: “To the stars who listen, and the dreams that are answered” in “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas.
What do You Like to do in Your Free Time? I prefer to read, write, and play piano when possible.
Favorite Bible Verse: Esther 4:14
Tags: #advice, #experiences, #guide, #helpful, #studentlife, #students, #tips
Posted in: Practical Tips, Student Guide, Student Life