Grace’s Story
Looking back, all I can think is ‘Where did the time go?!’ Freshman year of college was definitely an unforgettable year. The first few days of the year were spent walking about campus and exploring Queens. If that is what college was going to be like, I was thrilled. However, soon after classes started, I realized the truth. It is not all fun and games. Yes, you do have to go to class. Yes, you do have to do homework, write papers, and take tests. In high school, I had no trouble balancing the many activities and clubs I was involved with. In college, I fell into the dangerous hole everyone at some point falls into: procrastination. If there are four critical concepts to surviving college, here they are:
- Don’t procrastinate
- Go to class AND pay attention
- Schedule classes not too early and not too late
- Get involved
Not procrastinating is going to be the biggest task. We all have those days when we can’t help but put something off until later, but if we stick to a schedule for getting work done on time, those days won’t hurt us. Start assignments when they are assigned, and study for big exams a little each day. Trust me; it is worth more to study everyday than cramming for a test the night before, especially Chemistry exams!
You MUST go to class! And yes, pay attention! Even if the lecture is beyond boring, stay focused. In the long run, when studying for an exam you’ll be grateful you paid attention. No matter how much you may think it is easier just to read the book the night before the test, professors may include questions specifically from their lectures. If you must miss a class, have a friend or someone you know takes good notes lend you a copy after class.
This next one goes along with the previous tip. Schedule classes at times you know you will go to them. If you’re a morning person and 7:30 AM classes won’t bother you, then go ahead take them. Just remember after a month of doing, you might want to press the snooze button a little longer and may miss a few classes. If you like to sleep, opt to take classes later in the day. However, beware the opposite too. Don’t take night classes if you know that you would rather be somewhere else. My suggestion is to take classes early enough that you are not wasting away your day, but also end early enough that you won’t be tempted to skip class every other week.
My last tip is to get involved! If you are interested in something, there is probably a club or organization for it already… and if not, start one yourself! Despite rumors of having to study all the time, students do have spare time on their hands, especially during freshman year. Getting involved in different organizations will help you meet new friends, especially upperclassmen who are willing to answer any questions. It also creates networking opportunities. It is never too early to get involved, but don’t wait until your last semester. Lastly, having a well-rounded resume is key to a successful career upon graduation. So if you want to impress those recruiters and interviewers, start early (especially in the only professional pharmacy organization on campus open to all students, APhA-ASP!)
My advice to you is… Cherish your freshman year! It is a great time to meet friends that will last a lifetime, join clubs that interest you, and begin the six-year journey to graduating pharmacy school! It’s the easiest year, and seize every moment of it while it lasts.
