This semester, unlike my first semester here, has rolled on by, going much more quickly (and slightly smoother) than my previous. And with finals week approaching, I feel like it is an appropriate time to “unpack” my first year at Geneseo.
I knew coming into to freshman year here that I would be attending the “Harvard of SUNY schools,” but to be honest I thought nothing of it. Every college has impossible classes with terrifying tests and long, occasionally boring, lectures, right? Not necessarily. Being a relatively smart student in high school, I never picked up a book or studied for test. I’d take a 97 without studying over a 99 with an extra hours worth of work. Besides, I kept myself too busy with clubs and sports. As my first college exams rolled around, I figured and hour a night, reading through my notes would get me in at least the A- range. That was until I failed almost every single exam. I spent the rest of the semester in the library, studying night after night, to find out my grades were not going to improve. I didn’t know how to study, but I took that as “I wasn’t prepared for college.”
I would be lying if I said I didn’t call my mom at least once a day to tell her I wanted to transfer, and everytime her response would be “Give it one more semester.” I held my breath for the remainder of first semester, I needed it to be over. On top of studying and extracurriculars, I was still trying to learn how to live on my own, and dealing with a poor roommate situation. But the following semester I would start of fresh.
This semester, I came in with a positive attitude. I removed myself from my previous living situation, got myself together, and was ready to tackle the next few months. I was enrolled in mostly major related classes, unlike last semester, and was much more excited. But unfortunately, I still had to take the dreaded gen-ed requirement, INTD 105. Not being confident in my writing abilities, I was not excited to write papers upon papers. I scrolled through the course titles and “Risks and Rewards of Academic Partnership,” stood out to me. Being an Education major, I felt that maybe this class could benefit me.
This class has benefited me in more ways that one. The curriculum has touched on many things that are important to Geneseo’s education, like the Mission, Vision and Values. Through this class I have learned more about the education Geneseo provides students with, and about myself. I have become a stronger writer and communicator. Above all, this class has allowed me to work on correcting my bad habits, and taught me valuable lessons that I can carry with me on my journey to becoming a future educator.