Making the Most of Your Back-to-School Launch

by Debby Stewart, 
Dean of Students, Community College of Vermont
 

You chose the classes, signed all the papers, and bought (or rented) your textbooks. Getting to this point has taken a fair amount of preparation, but now what? Launching into the semester can feel a bit like starting a marathon. Sure, you’re excited but the finish line is miles away and there’s a good deal of work (and some apprehension) between you and that moment of completion with its ice cream, cheering fans, and photo finish. 

So…how to get from here to there? Whether it’s one class or four, online or on-ground, there are some simple things you can do during your first weeks of the semester that will help you to be successful over the long haul, and—most importantly perhaps—make this experience one you want to remember!

#1 - Ask Questions

For most of us, entering college is like being part of a whole new world. There are new processes and terminology. Even if you've been to another college or taken different classes at CCV, there are bound to be differences. The most successful college students ask questions early and often! 

So don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or feedback from faculty and staff. They want you to succeed and will appreciate your willingness to do your best. In fact, asking questions is one of the best ways to distinguish yourself as a serious student. 

#2 – Bring On the Meet & Greet

Take some time at break or outside of class to introduce yourself to others. Worried you won’t have anything to say? Start by asking questions about your classmates, why they chose a class, what they want to do with their lives, how they juggle their different responsibilities. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, so a few open-ended questions can really break the ice. 

Getting to know your classmates will not only make the semester a more satisfying experience for you, it may help you learn more and retain it longer. Collaborative learning is a type of activity when students work together in small groups to solve problems and complete tasks. Many CCV faculty use collaborative learning, for the benefits it offers students, but even if you don’t find yourself using it in class, you can use your introductions to pave the way for study groups and other helpful discussions.

#3 - Try a Different Perspective

One of the most rewarding aspects of being in college is meeting people who are different from us. It’s one of the reasons we travel to new destinations, try new experiences, or entertain ourselves with the tales of different characters. While it’s meaningful to work with new people, it can also present us with challenges, particularly if we haven’t had a lot of practice.

To get the most from the experience of working with other people in your class, try listening empathetically—seeing it from the other person’s perspective—first. Seek to understand by asking clarifying questions. If you find yourself disagreeing strongly with something that’s been expressed, take a moment to understand your own thoughts before speaking. When you’re ready to express your disagreement, focus on the ideas or actions, not the person speaking them. Be respectful. It can be difficult to give and receive criticism or manage disagreement, but this too is an important part of working effectively with others.  

#4 - Prepare Your Pep Talk

No matter how well you plan for the semester, you will probably encounter some unanticipated obstacle or problem. It’s the one constant in life! If this is your first semester at college, you may even begin wondering just why you wanted to start in the first place.  Changing your life—like running a marathon—is challenging work, the kind we take one quarter-mile at a time. 

That’s why it’s important to know, right now, what you’re going to say to yourself when things get tough, when you face that long, steep climb up a hill, and when you feel like giving up. Think about the reasons you want a college education, visualize yourself walking across the stage to get your associate’s degree (the cheers of your adoring family and friends), and remind yourself of things you’ve accomplished in the past, things that were hard but worthwhile. Write down these thoughts now—while you’re excited and fresh—so you’ll have them when they’re needed. And talk with your most supportive family and friends: give them an assignment! Ask them to cheer you on—and treat you to a cup of coffee and a sympathetic ear—when you find yourself discouraged. In fact, make a date now for somewhere around the halfway or three-quarter point.  

#5 - Be Present

Like most people, you probably have a busy—even frantic—life. You may work one or more jobs, have family and friend obligations, and participate in community or social activities…in addition to the little things like eating and sleeping. When you arrive at class, it can be difficult to leave the rest of the tasks on your to-do list at the door (or portal) to the classroom.  

Just do it….take a break from the rest of your life. First, allow yourself a little transition time—arrive a few minutes early and take a deep breath. If your thoughts are still swirling with chaos from home or work, take a moment to jot down your reminders or to-do tasks on a blank piece of paper. Then fold it away for later. You can do the same thing if you’re in an online class.  

While you’re in class, be sure to turn off or quiet your cell phone and refrain from texting (even on the sly).  Not only do these actions distract others, but they can interfere with your ability to fully experience what’s happening in the class. 

Once the class is over, take a few moments to outline what you need to do before the next class meeting, while it is still fresh in your mind. Involve your family and friends. Talk about something you learned or a question someone asked. Make your class an important part of your life. Not only will those close to you better appreciate what you’re doing, but you’ll make the class more memorable for yourself. Later, when the semester comes to a close, you will be able to look back with a sense of pride and satisfaction at all you’ve accomplished.

What tips do you have for making the most of the new semester?