Ask Garrett for April 9, 2014
Dear Garrett,
I made really awesome grades in high school, and I thought that I was really intelligent. Now, here I am at Maryville College. Sometimes, I find myself struggling in class and my grades are reflecting this. I’m not really sure what to do. I have always been really great student, or that’s what I thought. Is there some secret behind college classes that I just haven’t figured out yet?
Sincerely,
Wants an A
Dear Wants an A,
The transition to college can be a shock in many ways. You’re in a new place, you’re away from your parents and guardians, you have a roommate and so much more. Classes were a shock for me too. In high school, I truthfully barely studied for tests and exams and would pass with flying colors. I quickly realized that, to be successful in college courses, I would need to put forth more effort.
In college, your professors are not going to baby you. They are going to expect you to put forth effort since they have dedicated their lives to teaching students like you. This means that they are going to give you their best, and they will expect your best in return. College is never anything that should be sugar coated. It should be difficult. If it isn’t difficult and it isn’t challenging your academic prowess, then you chose the wrong school. If you are facing challenging classes, then that’s a good sign. After all, challenges teach you the most, and that’s the main reason of coming to college.
I would suggest studying a little each day. In the evening, just set aside a small amount of time to look back over the information you learned in class that day. That will ensure that you understand what you learned, and, if you don’t understand it, you can always ask your professor. At MC, we have awesome professors who want to see their students succeed. If you ask them for help, they will give it to you. Just remember that you are not alone in this, and you are still a great student. You just have to get used to college level courses.
Sincerely,
Garrett
Dear Garrett,
I’m starting to feel rather discouraged. I really would like to get involved on campus, but I just keep getting rejected from organizations. I applied for SPB, and I wasn’t accepted. I applied for Peer Mentors, and I didn’t get it. I applied to be an RA, and I did not get that either. Basically, I don’t know what else to do. In high school I was always really involved in several clubs, so I really wanted to do the same in college. I just don’t know what to do now that all my chances are gone.
Sincerely,
Dealing with Rejection
Dear Dealing with Rejection,
Simply not getting into an organization on campus should not dishearten you or discourage you from getting involved. Many of the groups you mention have an application process because they can only let so many people in at a time. For all you know, they could have absolutely loved you, however they simply had to choose other people for various reasons. Basically, many things go in to selecting members for these groups, and they can’t always take everyone even if they want to.
I would suggest applying again next year. Showing that you really wish to be in the organization looks good, and they will appreciate that you came back to try and get in again. Also, there are many clubs and organizations on campus that do not have an application and interview process. Do some research on these groups and get involved in a few. There are many other clubs and organizations outside of those you mentioned, so don’t ignore them just because you are disheartened over your rejection from those three groups.
Also, you can get involved on campus in many ways outside of clubs and organizations. For example, go to student activities and events. Go to the social gatherings for students where you can meet knew people and start new relationships. That’s the best way to be active and involved on campus because then you are truly creating a bond with your fellow MC students.
Sincerely,
Garrett