As I finish my first year of college, I've been listening to my friends who just graduated high school worry and have breakdowns because of certain lies they heard about college. Some of these lies were told by teachers, some by parents, and even by some people who haven't attended college.
I remember hearing these same lies and I want to state that I know these lies will not pertain to EVERYONE who has attended college but I also know, based on speaking to my friends who are both commuters (like me) and residents on their campus, that these lies are ones that a fair amount of people will identify with:
1. "Professors don't care."
This is the most common one I hear, especially in high school. "You're just another number to them." I've had rant sessions and breakdowns to some professors and they have helped me in so many ways. Yes, there are some that see you as a just another student, but a lot of them do care if you pass or fail their class.
2. "You need to know exactly what you want to do with your life."
The scary and yet exciting part of life is that it's always changing. Humans are always changing too. College is a vast world filled with opportunities. While it does make it easier if you know what your niche is, nothing is set in stone. It's alright to go to college undeclared. Find yourself.
3. "There's no extra credit."
Professors understand the meaning of a bad grade. 4/5 of my professors from my first semester of college gave some form of extra credit at some point during that time. They also understand that sometimes you need a boost. The opportunity is there, take it or leave it, but it is there.
4. "You won't have any downtime at college."
Everyone needs breaks and there WILL be time for them. Professors understand that too, so just make sure you pencil some time in to get any necessary work done before or after. Afternoon naps or late night Taco Bell runs, anyone?
5. You won't be able to procrastinate like you did in high school."
I'm not condoning procrastination... but we're human, it's what we do and it is a bad habit to break. Professors know we do it sometimes and I have seen students rock their research papers they wrote just before their deadline. Remember, diamonds are made under pressure.
A note to incoming freshman, please do not be scared about starting college. While it is a completely different world, you may find that it's the world you belong in.
