By Caitlyn Morral
When Sierra Dechane was a freshman, she waited until the last second to study for her exams. A classic freshman mistake, according to Dechane.
Now, as a sophomore, she, and other upperclassmen, want to offer advice to this year’s freshman class as their first semester at Bonaventure winds down.
On Oct. 23, the Teaching and Learning Center hosted an event What I Wish I Knew When I Was a Freshman, where freshmen were able to ask upperclassmen and graduate students about different academic majors, study techniques and opportunities on campus.
Students, including Rachel Griffin, a sophomore English major, had insights on limiting distractions during study time.
“Put aside cell phones and electronics, especially with finals around the corner,” said Griffin. “The less distractions, the more focused you will be on studying for important exams.”
Besides exams week, Brooke Christopher, a sophomore English major, offered some advice on being social, especially during freshmen year.
“I recommend getting more involved in clubs and organizations on campus,” said Christopher. “It really helps a lot.”
There are students that said they wish they had known about more specific programs and course processes, such as Sohaib Syed, a senior biology major.
“Everything pertaining to the course effort is definitely important, including planning what courses to take, how the process works and just planning for it in general,” said Syed. “My freshman year advisor was not very helpful. It is beneficial to map out a four-year plan, which is something that I wish that I knew then, because you have a layout and can adjust for other courses. It is a lot easier than just going into everything blind.”
Some students also emphasized the importance of staying concentrated on themselves during their freshmen year.
“Personally, I would say that, looking back, I know now that my career goals were more important than being popular,” said TaQuan Brown, a sophomore theater major. “Also, focusing more on myself and my schoolwork was much more important than trying to impress other people.”
Registration begins Monday, Nov. 2.
morralce14@bonaventure.edu
