By Jessica Espinoza and Aubrey Polk
Bogdan Sierra Miranda/The Collegian
Many students who are new to TCC begin their time here completely lost.
“I was starting from the very beginning,” former TCC student Megan Valdez said. “I did not take any AP or dual credit classes in high school. So when I started college, it was completely new to me.”
First-time college students do not always know what to expect, but they can do a few simple things to help pave their paths to success and make the transition into college smoother and more successful.
As students transition to college, they meet people who do not share their views, so they must learn to deal with differences.
“It was the idea of people with different personalities and viewpoints I had to adjust to,” NE student Denicia Miller said. “It was more of a culture shock than anything.”
SE culinary arts major Aletha Ferber believes organization is a key to success.
“Keeping a planner so that my thoughts stay in order is something I wish I knew before I started college,” she said.
Finding a system to help students organize their thoughts and their homework is a valuable tool to college success. Professors provide a syllabus to outline the semester with due dates. Veteran students suggest taking the time to write down all due dates in a planner so they do not forget what is due and when.
TR and NW student Gabriella Torres wishes she had paid better attention to her professors regarding the syllabus along with writing down a way to contact her professors.
More importantly, procrastination is one of the biggest weaknesses among college students, she said.
“I regret not using my study time wisely and choosing to hang out with my friends instead of studying,” Torres said.
Procrastination comes in many forms. Many college students like Ferber and Torres have jobs, so putting off assignments until the last minute causes them to stress and turn in assignments that could have been done better and more efficiently.
Another way to succeed in class is to find a friend or study buddy.
“By having a study buddy or a friend, we can help keep one another accountable for the work and assignment being done in class,” Torres said.
Valdez said school becomes much easier when students develop their own study habits, make priorities and learn how to manage their time. Students must understand that they have more responsibilities than they did in high school, she said.
“My tip is to always register early, pay attention and take very good notes in class,” Miller said. “Don’t get overwhelmed and stay in control.”
