Haymanites Unite

Olivia Longo

Attending college for the very first time is a very nerve-wracking experience for any freshman. Your mind is running, while pondering about who you’ll become friends with, how to get to your classes, and how to deal with the increased workload. To make this transition easier, however, an incoming freshman should know specific things about their classes, and specifically, what to expect in College Writing 113.

One of the first questions an incoming freshman at Springfield College might have, is whether or not they will be quizzed on the summer reading book. However, there is not a legitimate right or wrong answer to this question- depending on your teacher, you might end up talking about it, or you’ll have to re-read the book and get tested on it. Although it might be a lag to read the book in the summer, I would say that it is best to read it (or skim-read it at least) to further understand what the book is about. But, we all know that 85% of the kids probably will not do that. So, in that case, you would probably just have to hope for the best.

As the class actually delves into the course material, you may be curious as to how much work you will have to do. Based on my class, it was not any more difficult than my high school english class. You still are expected to do your work and hand it in on time, but the work assigned is not meant to kill you. It is not meant to distract you from your Anatomy lab practical on all of the muscles in the body, but it is also meant to be considered as a priority.

Throughout this course, you will complete four major essays, as well as a reflective piece for the final. The first essay is about “identity”, which was probably the easiest of the four to write. You definitely should take advantage of being able to write about yourself, and put time and effort into setting the stage for the rest of your essays. This essay will end up being your very first college essay, so you might as well make it good. Additionally, you should try to figure out your professor’s grading style, and learn how to alter your future essays based on the feedback that you received. Also, if you end up being in the same class as I was in, you better get used to peer review. It was a major part of this class, and this is where most of your editing will take place. If you feel that the person who is peer reviewing your paper is not providing you with adequate/effective feedback, then you should talk to your professor and have them give you some more advice on your paper

Although you may not consider College Writing 113 to be your most challenging course this semester, do not put any less effort into the class. Many people may underestimate the class, and may fail to exert any extra energy into the quality of their assignments. For this class, and for all of your other classes, one of the biggest mistakes you could make is underestimating the power it has to affect your GPA. This course still counts towards your GPA, so you should let it affect your average in a positive manner.

This might sound like a lot, but they are only tips to help you succeed. Don’t listen to all the horror stories you hear about the transitions into college- as long as you stay true to your identity while allowing room for some positive change, you will be more than okay. Also, one last thing- don’t forget to enjoy the experience. Besides high school, your college years will be the best and the most memorable years of your life.