Volume 44, Issue 14. Today is
Freshman reflections: advice for incoming students
The end of the semester is here and many freshmen have almost completed their first year of college. Did they gain the freshman fifteen? Did they like high school or college better? What are the differences? Every freshman has varied fears such as getting lost on campus or not being able to handle the work.
“My initial fear of starting college was not having someone I knew around me all the time. Once I finally started college it wasn’t so bad. And believe it or not, I knew a lot of people in my classes. Although, I wish I still got to play high school sports,” said MCC freshman Danielle Medrano.
Medrano also touched on the academic balance in college. “College teachers are stricter on making deadlines for writing papers and homework. Other than that, college makes you feel more of an adult because you get to choose your class times and if you’re lucky, at MCC, teachers won’t care if you don’t show up to class a few times,” said Medrano.
Medrano also has some advice for the incoming freshman. “If you know what your major is, take specific classes for it. Don’t waste money on classes you don’t need. It’s not worth failing a class because you’re going to have to pay for it once again just to re-take it.”
Medrano also noted the benefits of exploring interests. “And if your major is undecided, don’t be afraid to explore different classes and subjects because you may never know what interests you the most,” said Medrano.
MCC freshman Danielle Welch has some simple but straight forward advice for the incoming freshman. “Do your homework,” said Welch.
According to many students, one of the main causes for college freshman gaining the freshman fifteen is because they are not as active in sports in college as they were in high school.
Luckily for MCC freshman Brianne Klawiter, she didn’t put on the weight. “If anything, I’ve been just as or more active this year than I was in high school, partially because I’m taking that lifetime fitness class for free since I’m on the presidential scholarship so it’s basically a free gym membership,” said Klawiter.
Klawiter has a lot of positive things to say about her first year college experience. “I like college much better. You choose your schedule and you’re more on the ball.”
Klawiter also expressed a student’s independence in college. “In college, you’re here because you want to be and no one is going to make you go to class or walk you through things and make sure you do well; unless you are going out of your way to seek the teacher’s help,” said Klawiter.
Klawiter gave some encouraging advice to the incoming college freshman.
“At least for your first semester, don’t take more on your plate than you think you can handle. Choose wisely the level of difficulty the classes you are taking,” said Klawiter.
Freshmen Fifteen
Avoiding the “freshman fifteen” can be tough for some college freshmen. Here are some tips that may help in keeping the pounds off.
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid eating unhealthy cafeteria food
• Avoid drinking alcohol excessively
• Avoid eating fast food late at nightSource: freshmanfifteen.com