By Miranda Nuevo, Senior, Sociology Major, IES Minor
Transitioning from high school level academia to what is expected of a college student can be a daunting task. It surely was for me, but with some help from my fellow classmates, upperclassmen, and professors, I felt acclimated to the expectations of college academia in no time.
In high school I considered myself to be an average student. I did not take an overloaded schedule of college prep courses or receive out of this world recognition for my academic performance, but I did participate and make sure I was making the most of my high school education. Upon entering my coursework at Chapman, I continued this same mentality which got me through the college application process and ultimately propelled me to my dream school. While my first few essays, reading assignments, and presentations took more effort than I initially expected, I excelled over time with practice and the courage to ask for help and clarification.
Taking the time to visit professors’ office hours, contact a classmate, or ask for insight from upperclassmen goes a long way. I found that the close knit community of Chapman, both in and outside of the classrooms, easily facilitated these conversations and my growth as a student. Form study groups and pose thought provoking questions that will engage you in class discussion ultimately create a learning environment that’s right for you!
If you haven’t locked down your preferred study techniques, no worries! Take the first few weeks, months, or even the whole first semester to try new places and systems out. Ask your Orientation Leaders, Resident Advisors, and others about some of their methods and favorite spots for inspiration. Some of my favorite study spots include the Argyros Forum patios and the third floor of the library. (It gets quieter as you go up!) When midterms and big assignments come around, my planner is my best friend. It helps me stay organized in the times when intellectual meets social (two of Chapman’s Four Pillars) and it doesn’t seem like there is enough time in the day.
While the turnover from high school to college can be nerve wracking, it’s also exciting. The upcoming years will give you access to opportunities to enhance yourself as a scholar and develop your skills that you will likely use in future careers. During my first year at Chapman, I had the unique opportunity to develop a sociological survey in a class with a dozen of my peers and sociology faculty. I would not have had this chance had I not reached out to a professor seeking guidance and direction.
Moral of the story: take charge of your education! Communicate with your peers, ask questions, and ENGAGE!
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