Take Advantage of What is Provided for You

Take Advantage of What is Provided for You! By Jania Jones Editor

Pursuing a higher education beyond high school is always a commendable feat. You are not only trying something new, but you are also taking charge of your education, which is not something you would have done in your earlier years of school. Therefore, not only do I applaud you all for your strength and diligence regarding this, but I also come to you with a strong piece of advice.

Don’t take the resources you have available to you for granted. Make the most of what Housatonic has to offer and try to enjoy this experience! While HCC is first and foremost an educational institution, it is also a place for you to grow socially and to find out newer pieces of who you are.

Whether it be reaching out to your professors during office hours, or asking a peer to study together, building these types of connections and relationships will ultimately ease the stress of being a college student. In addition, there are plenty of

“set in stone” programs available that are accessible to all students.

The Academic Support Center is a great place to get help on a subject you may be dealing with in class as well! The most important thing to focus on is that you reach out. It can be intimidating or embarrassing to ask for help at first, but once you find your groove, you will truly realize how beneficial it is for you.

Meeting with your professors at the beginning of each semester is a great way to get started and introduce yourself as a new student in the course. Or, if you might’ve taken that course in the past and need to retake it, it is a great way to remind your professor of who you are and establish that you might need a bit more help to succeed throughout the curriculum.

Whatever techniques you deem the best are all up to you, just remember that they are all out there! Volunteering, going to events, and studying at the library are all wonderful ways to start getting connected to the people around you. Make the most of this experience!

Studying with people in the same major or course as you is a great way to get help and give help when dealing with difficult coursework. Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash