My first semester as a first generation student in a nutshell: I came to college (SMSU) to “get away” from home. I had no clue what I didn’t know. I was an introvert and went home every weekend. I didn’t ask for help. I didn’t get involved on campus. I did not know that I could advocate for myself. I didn’t know how to study.
First of all, take a deep breath you can do this. There are so many resources and people on campus that want to help you be successful! I did not know that then.
- Get involved on campus-you will meet new people and make lifelong friends, make memories and learn new skills. (It is ok to step outside of your comfort zone!)
- Reach out and get to know faculty. Ask for help if you are unsure of what is being asked of you. (Faculty want to help you be successful!)
- Utilize campus resources (Bear Claw) if you see that you are struggling. It’s ok to ask for help and besides your student fees are paying for them!
- Balance your general education classes and major specific classes.
- Use some sort of a planner to help you stay organized, go to class (yes, you really need to go to class and actively participate), read your textbooks (yep, you REALLY need to read the books too!), spend time reviewing material even if you do not have a specific assignment or test to prepare for right away. (Repetition is good!)
Remember, the effort and time you put into attending classes, working on assignments and studying for tests will be what you get from it! So, get out there and join a student group, get to know your classmates and faculty, go to class prepared and make tons of memories!
Kim Roam
Clinical Assistant Professor, Childhood Ed and Family Studies