2014. I’m in my junior year. So much will have happened in
the last two years. I can’t even think ahead to next week, much less 2 years
from now, so this is a challenge. If I had to give a speech to the freshman
class of 2014 it would probably sound something like this:
When I arrived at Converse, I knew that college was going to
be a BIG change for me because I was homeschooled. Being homeschooled had its
advantages, but there were some things that I had to get used to. For example, having
A LOT of homework at one time and trying to do as much of it as possible the night
that it was assigned. I also had to plan my day around all my classes and
try to find the best times to practice and do my work. I had to find SOME amount
of time in my extremely busy schedule to have some kind of relaxation. I have
so much more to think about and DO in college then I ever did in my 4 years of
high school. I got accustomed to my schedule and my new environment rather
quickly, which was surprising. Going from doing school in my living room
everyday to actually going to classes in different buildings and having
multiple deadlines for every assignment was a big change for me. I was
surprised I adjusted as quickly as I did to be honest. It will be strange for
you at first and will take getting used to, but once you do, it is actually
fun!
I faced a lot of challenges and difficulties these past 2
years as well. But the biggest one for me personally was (and still is) TIME
MANAGEMENT. Aka trying to find time to find time to do all of my work and
practicing in an extremely short 24 hour day. What really helped me was using a
planner and trying to map out everything I had to do every day and finding the
most optimal times to practice. I found that it really helps to do all of your
practicing between classes so you aren’t practicing early in the morning or
super late at night. Another thing is try to do your assignments and homework
as soon as possible. Do not put off work AT ALL! Putting off homework is never
the right thing to do. Even if a paper or assignment isn’t due until Sunday and
it is assigned Wednesday, at least write a paragraph or two or start
brainstorming some thoughts. Procrastination is never a good idea when it comes
to schoolwork.
I have learned that if you need help with something, even if
it is the smallest thing in the world, ask for help. You will find that there
are many upperclassman and classmates who are willing to help you. Asking your
professor doesn’t hurt either. They will be glad that you are being mature and
taking responsibility for yourself. You may think that your professors (or your
peers even) will judge you or think you aren’t smart for not understanding the
material the first time. I felt the same way. But I realized, if you are
already confused about something, you will become EVEN MORE confused if you try
to muscle through it yourself. (especially a theory worksheet “cringe”)
My advice to you all is make sure to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!
Sometimes, you may have to choose between eating lunch and practicing for a
recital. Don’t sacrifice your health for a paper. If you aren’t sleeping enough,
you will be dysfunctional and not be able to learn anything in your classes
because you are so tired. DO try your very hardest to eat a well- balanced diet,
even in very stressful times. (For example: do not eat 6 Gee cookies in attempt
to keep some of your sanity). Also try to exercise at least once a week. There
is a small workout room/gym in the bottom of Montgomery. If that isn’t your
thing; there is a also Zumba class (which is very fun by the way!) once a week
in the athletic center. There are ways to keep fit here. If you make time to
enjoy yourself every week, you will be much more mentally sound than if you are
working all the time.
All in all, college will be a new and different experience,
but it will be the adventure of a lifetime!
