Oh my goodness, already a month + in and I feel like the semester is already going by so fast. 

Those first few weeks are always what feels like a trial phase. Dragging yourself to that 8 a.m., and getting yourself back into the swing of things. By now you have somewhat of a routine in place, and you (hopefully) feel at home. 

Now a senior, I have a good feel for all of my classes by this part of the semester. Which ones I have more understanding of versus the ones that I struggle more with. THAT BEING SAID, it is so important to take that first initiative (especially if you’re not doing too hot). 

Not to fear: If you aren’t doing well in school and you want to improve, there are so many resources at Naz to help you succeed. 

HOW TO DO BETTER IN CLASS (from a semi-certified nerd) 

STEP 1: Do your work. 

This might seem like a given, right? WRONG. Homework sucks, reading sucks, but that’s the first step in learning the material and getting some insight into what the heck is going on in your class. 

OK. So you’re doing your homework, you’re seeing a little bit of improvement, but it’s still not giving what it was supposed to give? NO WORRIES. 

STEP 2: Talk to your professor & go to office hours. 

Talking to your professor seems so scary at first. If you asked freshman-year me about talking to my professor, I would be crying and throwing up. I had this idea that they would think I was “dumb” if I didn’t understand some things. But that’s not the truth. Professors WANT you to come talk to them. They want to see you and help you if you have questions or aren’t understanding something from a lecture. So go see them, I promise it’s worth it. 

Yay — we’re doing good, and so close to where we want to be, we’re right there but just a little bit below the goal. There’s still another option. 

STEP 3: FREE TUTORS!

TUTORS! Shoutout to all of my tutors from freshman year! You are all GOATS and are the reason I passed freshman year. When I tell you tutors are so helpful, they are SO HELPFUL. Freshman year, I had two or three tutors each semester. They work directly with your professor, you get to practice stuff from class, ask questions about your homework, and just get advice from someone who’s been there, done that, and passed the class with flying colors. 

As I said, college is hard. We’re managing school, extra-curricular activities, jobs, and social lives. It’s a struggle sometimes getting everything done and being a part of everything that we want to do. Don’t be shy about taking the help that’s available.