It is the end of 2007. I have been at Moorpark College, technically, since 1998. Between those first concurrent P.E. classes I took during high school and the present day, I have dropped out, leaving school for a few years to take on a full-time job, returned to school, switched majors and done just about everything there is to do here. Except graduate.
I’ve learned a lot during my time here, enough to pass on some helpful knowledge to those students who have just completed their first or second semester, and to new students as well. There are tricks to getting through school in four semesters, and I’ve listetd three of them.
Most importantly, trick one is to have a goal in mind before starting school.
When I first came to MC, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to pursue a career in mathematics or journalism. I took classes in both subjects, figuring I would eventually work it out as I went. What ended up happening is that since I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life, I didn’t have the motivation to keep at it and did not do as well as I knew I could.
When I came back to school, I was dead-set on a career in journalism, and as a result I saw myself doing much, much better in all of my classes because I had a focus. Know what you want out of school and things will go more smoothly. Even if your goal is finishing your general ed., then you can motivate yourself to get it. Whatever you do, don’t wander into college and expect to find what you want to do without some guidance.
Secondly, see a counselor early and often.
Speaking of guidance, it’s the job of the campus counselor to help guide you down the college road. Counselors can help you decide what you want to do, what classes you need to take to transfer or get a diploma, and most importantly, keep you on the right track
I didn’t think I needed counceling, but after visiting one, I saw the error of my ways immediately. They know how to get you on a fast track tot where you want to be, and if you don’t know they help you figure it out.
Lastly, don’t take more units than you can handle.
Young people have a great advantage in going to school because they have fewer responsibilities and therefore, more time to take more classes. However, as you grow older, it becomes harder and harder to juggle work and school. If you fall behind in classes, you create years of extra school work for yourself. Consider your schedules and financial needs before taking on a ton of units. If you don’t get good grades in your classes, it’s like working without getting paid. Useless.
Luckily, these three things are extremely easy to do and understand, and they work if you do them. Make the college experience as easy and successful as possible to get ahead in life, no regrets! For me, college has been the best seven years of my life. For you, I hope it’s just the best two.
