Happy September, everybody — let’s get educated.
I’m entering my senior year, which has me thinking a lot of thoughts, including that this is the last time I will be in school for at least a couple years. It’s a sobering realization as much as a freeing one, and approaching the end means I’m reflecting on the beginning.
I came here as a freshman four years ago, and I was scared of everything — the people around me, my degree audit, advising, papers, the concept of tuition, parking spots and everything in between. I was also arriving immediately post-pandemic in the fall of 2021. I remember walking into the bookstore and thinking everybody there could spot that I was a fraud, which made no sense.
While the lifestyle of the class requirements and the heightened standards of professionalism and self-advocacy are normal to many of us now, it pays to remember how daunting college feels for the first time.
As much as high school tries to be like college, it’s a different atmosphere, and everyone is required to be there. Now, almost all students are here by choice, which means teachers and administrators expect students to be self-motivated and able to handle more difficult work.
At the same time, college is not nearly as frightening as high school wanted you to think it was. I remember high school teachers going on and on about how “in college, they won’t tolerate food in class,” “in college, you don’t get away with things” or “in college, they don’t let you retake tests.”
In my experience, if you’ve put in the time to be a hardworking student and a trustworthy human being, you are encouraged to ask your teacher for help or grace when the need arises. Teachers are almost always happy to talk with students who need academic or even emotional support, especially if that student has been respectful and diligent.
Young freshmen need to know that while they are grownups now, decent grownups give each other grace. They will learn that in time, just like we did, but check in with them because they might be terrified and trying to hide it.
Upperclassmen — you get a pass; sophomores, you’ve got your own stuff going on — how can we exemplify professionalism and grace for freshmen? It starts with recognizing that we used to be them not too long ago.
It also means choosing to be excited for them instead of annoyed by them right away. Yes, they have things to learn about being here, and no they have not yet learned those things, and it shows, but we can be instrumental in helping them adjust.
Partner with the freshman in your class when it’s time to pair up for lecture-discussion. Ask them how they’re doing, and if they’ve found all their classes. See if they know how to meet with their advisor. Check in on how they feel and do whatever you can to make them feel at home.
Seniors, we are about to make our huge transitions when we graduate. Think about how much we will wish for a warm welcome and a kind word when we start our new careers and reflect that energy to the generations behind us.
Photo courtesy of UCCS Photography Database.