College Success

There are many important parts or ideas that make for success. People go to college because they want to become something. So what happens when they find a class that they don’t like doing? Whether it be homework, a professor, or any other aspect of that class if a student doesn’t like the class they will find it hard to progress and to do well at that class. The most important thing about being successful is finding something in the class that interests you. Many students get so caught up in the class and how much they hate it that they forget why they took the class in the first place. If students remember that they took the class to develop their skills and ultimately excel in their profession it will help students do a paradigm shift and change the way they think about the class. Along with that, some classes are just plain tough. That’s where persistence comes in. So often when faced with something challenging, students and many people throw their hands up and toss in the towel. College isn’t supposed to be easy, but it is worth it as most anyone who has ever earned a degree can testify. Another thing students can do is to annotate. There are many benefits of developing this habit that are often over looked when the word annotate is mentioned. One such benefit is the ability to use the notes of the paper instead of having to read the whole thing all over again to find one specific point that you liked. The use of these key skills will help any individual seek success in college and for the rest of their lives.

A positive outlook is key. No matter how much one likes certain subjects, they will find some class that does not draw their attention, that feels pointless, or they just do not like it. In Bullocks & Goggins “A Field Guide to Writing” they describe reading stating in part that if you don’t like the reading material find something familiar about it. This aspect can be used not only in reading a textbook, but throughout life. Finding something familiar can help boost positivity towards the difficult subject, increase comprehension, and help achieve a paradigm shift towards a seemingly pointless subject. This aspect is critical in the success of students because of its wide range of application. Once students understand how to get the most out of each class, they will be able to look past the individual class and see the bigger picture.

For some students the most enjoyable classes have also been the most difficult. You can have a teacher that’s amazing, but homework that last hours on end. Whatever the reason for a difficult class, if we have already applied the first concept mentioned then we must persevere. If one can see how the class fits into the bigger picture, then they can see the importance of the class and put the required effort into each and every assignment. Many have said that it’s not easy to keep that state of mind. Rounding problem twenty of a sixty problem assignment sometimes it feels like there is no end in sight. An old childrens book that all can learn from “The Little Engine That Could”. The phrase, “I think I can” is repeated over and over. When confronting a difficult assignment it becomes a mind over matter as we persevere, endure, and push till the task has been accomplished.

Lastly, when doing assignments, when reading and when listening to professors, ideas will come If they don’t get written down the chances of being remembered are next to none. Most teachers encourage the practice of annotation and good note taking, many students look back in their twenties and early thirties wishing they would have picked up the habit earlier. As annotating is done, not only does it give notes about the text if done properly it will save you time. While reading, annotating keeps the mind focused on the text which in turn lets for better thought processing and makes it easier to remember what the text was about the next day before even looking at your annotation. The more you use reading then writing it out in your own words, even if the notes are never used again there will be far better retention of the information than if the material is only read.

Using all three of the mentioned tricks are critical to having success as a student. The more positive a person is about a class, or assignment the better they will do in school Doing these things hand in hand with perseverance will help one succeed on even the most difficult of assignments. When annotating is done the comprehension, retention and overall understanding of the individual will increase. All those who wish for success, if they follow this pattern, they will find what they are looking for. This is the pattern that all can use to find success as a student, wherever they may be.