What I Wish I Would Have Known as a Freshman

Students give insightful tips on being a freshman.
Photo By www.theodysseyonline.com/move-in-day

It just happens that college is not what most people expect when they enroll. It takes some time, from days to years, to figure out how to make college a more pleasant experience. This week, Concordian talked to several Concord students who have been here long enough to find some insightful tips on how to navigate life at Concord.

    James Kemp, a senior geography major, says “I wish I had learned to establish strong relationships with my professors much earlier. Some of them are really great and will go the extra mile to help you, but you have to make that contact first.”

    Abby Rector who is studying English, says that one tip that she always remembers is, “Always, always, always finish your paper in time to have it reviewed by your professor before you turn it in.” Rector also notes that when it comes to using Sparknotes, sparknotes.com, a website with summaries of everything from great to lesser known works of literature which every student has most likely misused over their career, you should “always read the analysis not just the chapters or else you won’t be able to fake knowing what’s going on. When reading Shakespeare always use No Fear Shakespeare which is a product of Sparknotes.” She also points out that you should “make sure to have at least one person’s number or social media in class or else you will regret having no one to bum notes from or help with assignments.”

    Kristen Lewis, an art student, says that one should “always pay attention to the smallest detail, no matter what the professor says. Listen and take notes. Always seek knowledge, because even learning the smallest thing can benefit you in the long run.”

Brandon Venable, who is studying sociology, wishes he knew “how much college was going to change my perception of the world at large. The lens in which I view the world through is not the same one I had when I was a freshman. Because of this, I feel like a completely different person.”

    Haley McCord, student majoring in Social work, can’t recall any major problems she would have tips for, except for math classes. “Don’t be afraid to get a tutor and actually go to tutoring. It will help you out. I refused to get a tutor. So I got a D.”

    Brady Meadows, communication arts major, says “I wish I had known to wait and see if I was going to actually need a book for a class before buying it. I wish I had known better than to get all my 101 classes out of the way early. You want to save a couple for when you’re a senior and have real hard classes so you aren’t overwhelmed in your last year.”

    Jonaied Toshif, business major, wishes he checked if he liked the cafeteria food before choosing a meal plan. “I would rather put money in flex [dollars],” says Toshif regretting his past choices.

    Finally, Megastasia Waddy, senior graduating with a business major, shared a golden piece of wisdom. “Never take an 8 A.M. class if you’re not a morning person, it’s a bad idea!”