First rule of the university : buy yourself a wristwatch. Second rule: look at it 24/7
I know what you feel. You get your first good grade. You are walking on air. Your parents are on cloud nine. Then you face your first problems — stupid articles, or modal verbs. Okay, all right. You nailed these problems. Oh, then someone who seems a complete know-it-all shows off her/his knowledge. It hurts. You think you’re a dimwit and as nutty as a fruitcake. And then Doc. Bronich appears, the Latin exam is coming… etc. And you just start running around like a headless chicken.
Calm down there! I’m one of those Freshmen who almost survived. Breathe in. Breathe out. Hi! I’m Sandy. Over the last 2–3 months I have been experiencing my own tiny crisis. It’s connected with growing up. Never mind.
Well, over the last 9 months of studying here at the university, I have gathered all of my handouts and put them in the correct order. Then I have understood Latin much better and certainly learned a lot of material in English. I have read my second book “Fahrenheit 451” in English and I’m swelling with pride because I consider this book rather serious and difficult because of a bunch of metaphors and symbols. I’m also really happy with my Pleasure Reading Session with Doc. Shootova, it was so cool to talk to her. Also, my groupmates and I have visited our new American friend Stacie Schrader and even cooked with her delicious American food. We have performed at the Accent Contest, sung songs, read about American Presidents, made videos about Shopping, read many Russian book, thanks to Doc. Fomin, and have done many other things.
Honestly, I can’t even believe that there are few days left till the end of our first year at the university. Time flies, doesn’t it?
We’re also asked to write something to the future Freshmen, so this is what I want to tell them.
By the end of the year, I guarantee, you’ll sleep like a log after your classes and homework. I can’t say this is good for your health, but it definitely reflects the invested efforts. Try to dwindle the stress — instead of being stressed out lying in the bed and overthinking everything, stop navel-gazing asap and go for a fifteen-minute-walk or call your mom. It’ll work, I promise. Eat well, have enough sleep and study as hard as you can. Even if something seems wrong to you, or you even think it doesn’t make sense- stop thinking that way because it certainly DOES. I know, you think you’re different and Doc. Bronich, for instance, won’t frighten you because you have been studied the World History in school — it’s your own business. But let me tell you — it’s much better to learn at the university taking into account our mistakes. We remember those nights in the dorm, when we were sitting and discussing our grades and various subjects. It was cool, but really stressful. You are afraid of every single test, sometimes, you got angry at the teachers etc. But I’m sure you’ll survive the hardest moment of your life during your first year — the most tense time. Some people face it at the end of the semester, as for me, it happened to me right in the middle. You should just find support, if you can’t find it in your class, resort to your family or friends. They will try to understand and help you. You will meet many different people in the university: one of them will be as sharp as a tack, another will be a slacker, etc. Don’t compare yourself with anybody.
And remember: Time is your best friend and buddy. Also this is the most effective tool for your work. Use it correctly.
Hugs,
Sandy
