Digital Definitions: College; Thoughts On

I just finished reading Chapter 1 and 2 of College Rules. I found a lot-though not all-of the topics covered in both chapters pretty relevant. Taking college classes is definitely a big adjustment. We all obviously had our responsibilities prior to starting classes, but one of my biggest challenges has been integrating my preexisting responsibilities with my new obligations at TCI. Now I don't want to show my age here, but let's just say that is has been a few years since I have attended school, and even before I started actually attending classes I had to go through the bureaucracy of the financial aid process; taking entrance exams, standing in lines for book, etc. Like it says in the first chapter of the book, these are things that all students must go through in order to graduate. For me, the two most important topics covered in the first chapter were starting off on the right foot and the 'clean slate' idea, that college students irregardless of the their previous academic history are given a new opportunity to excel. I like the idea of the latter a lot, and since we are being given a clean slate, I think it is important to start strong so that we show ourselves and others that college is going to be a positive experience and we are willing to do the required work. The Internet is full of resources for individuals entering or returning from a long absence to the college environment; Free College Resources is just one example, and you'll notice that one of the first topics covered on their homepage is asking for assistance.

Chapter 2 of the text book, talks about just that, Where to Find the Help You Need. Since I am only in the third week of the semester, I haven't been in a position where I've had to ask for a lot of academic help, (although I am sure I will be) but since the very beginning of the whole process I've had to make sure that I asked a lot of questions in order to assure that I know what is required of me, I understood the process, and where I need to turn in case I have any problems or questions.

I know the experience will be challenging but it is an experience I expect to enjoy and have fun with. I'll leave with a little humor, this is a pilot for a sitcom that talks about the comic side of going to college.