What to expect in college.

So you have decided to attend college? Woo what a big step! It is however, a huge step in the right direction. With the current trend in hiring now, one must almost have to have at least an associate’s degree to even get in an interview with most jobs now. It doesn't really matter if you’re going to attend a community college, technical college, or university. You will have the same feelings at any of them, especially those of you that have been out of school for several years.

There are a lot of emotions that are involved in beginning school. The doubt that you can do it, the fear of failure, the fear of anything really. It is just a big ball of stress and anxiety that loges itself deep inside your core. Now take a deep breath. Remember you have got this and you are in control. I can tell you as a college instructor and a student at one time I know what exactly you are going through. Everyone goes through the same emotions whether they admit it or not. But you have to remember the college instructor or professor is there to help you always, never to hurt you. Our job is to make sure that you are successful. We don’t like failure any more than you do. We will never fail you unless you give up. We will always push you in the direction you need to go. I personally love to have brand new students in my class. My personality allows me to put people at ease because I usually start every class off with a joke or funny video. This puts you in a relaxed state that allows your mind to more easily learn the material. Remember if you get to the point where you feel like you can’t go any further think back to how far you have come. Push on, even if it’s an inch, keep pushing.

Now a few things you can expect in classes. For one thing the age range will probably vary. I have had students as young as 16 and as old as 63. One thing you will all have in common is that you are in class together, that makes you a team. Most students, I have learned, are terrified to ask for help from an instructor. I stand 6’2 and weigh 250 with a nice shaved head and a beard. I admit I probably look like the most intimidating person there is, but I am actually a gentle giant with my students. None-the-less they still hate to ask for help. So they squander grade after grade because they may not have a firm grasp on the information and are too afraid to ask me for help. Ask your fellow students, chances are there is at least one other person who is struggling as well. Learn to depend on each other. You are all there for the same thing, to graduate!

I will admit there will come a time where you will hit a roadblock and feel like you have to give up. DON’T!!! Talk to your instructor. Again they are there for you and the last thing that they want to see is a student give up hope. Remember they care, they are there to help you, mentor you, and get you through the struggles of college life. It will not always be easy, if it was everyone would have a degree. But it is doable if you have the heart to do it. Chin up and march on!! Only forward never backwards!