What I Learned From my First Semester of University

Phew.

A part of me can’t believe I’ve already completed my first semester of university. The other part can’t believe how much happened in that seemingly short time.

 

Let me know! Which one were you at the end of the first semester? 🙂

For me, it was a semester of falling, learning from mistakes and getting back up again. Here are some of the most important things I learned from my first semester!

1. You can’t just be doing work, work, and more work

I started the year with one sole focus: to get some fabulous marks. I put in a lot of work and did earn some fabulous marks, but I didn’t feel happy. Soon enough, I began to lose motivation and that meant more procrastination! It took a horrible week of some not-so-fabulous marks to finally make me realize what I was doing wrong.

I decided to find something else on campus to be a part of and it made a world of a difference. I started going to weekly café-rencontres (French cafe, lots of fun), events organized by UCS (Undergraduate Commerce Society) and SMA (Student Management Association) and other activities here and there. I felt happy being at school, wasted less time doing irrelevant things and ended up turning my marks back around!

2. Working hard does not equal working smart

I’m no genius, nor are my marks extraordinary, but this semester, I realized that working hard is not the same thing as working smart. In high school, I’d spend hours on end doing homework, even staying up really late, because that was the formula to do well.

In university, however, this doesn’t work. Not only does less sleep make lectures torturous, but not studying the right way for hours does not guarantee good grades.

Say, there’s no point in spending 5 hours a day on work that could’ve taken you 2 if you had gone to the lecture. Figure out a pattern based on your personality and the nature of the course.

3. Your marks don’t determine your intelligence

The definition of intelligence is the ability to acquire knowledge and apply skills. Who said that has to be in Math? Or Science? Or in the program you’re in? If you know you’re working hard and smart, but your grades aren’t reflecting that, don’t let it pull you down. The course or program may not work well with how your brain works. Heck, it may be because the jump to first year diminishes the stamina and energy bars in this video game we play. Just remember, folks, you are more than your marks.

Am I right?

4. It’s okay to ask for help

Sometimes, it’s hard to get through hard times alone. Talk to a friend, find a support group, take time to unplug.

You can even go to the HCC (Health and Counselling Centre, here at UTM!) for free personal counselling sessions to free up some space in your brain. The centre is on the first floor of Davis, right around the corner from the bookstore. You get 4 sessions for free!

First semester flew by, but it was heavy. Hey, at least I gained some muscle getting to the finish line.

Step out of your comfort zone and outmaneuver yourself. Good luck with semester two!

– Azalfa

First-Year Essentials: L for LAUNCH

If L stood for Launch, I’d take an L any day.

Not that I’m not already taking L’s left, right and centre.

This past summer, when I was scrolling through this blogger position’s application, I internally groaned when I saw that applicants taking LAUNCH or utmONE courses would be given preference. I groaned all the way to Acorn and picked a random slot for a Business, Commerce and Management Launch class. I mean, just look at the course description:

LAUNCH is an initiative that brings together the academic and community aspects of being a new UTM student in a way that supports your transition and student success. LAUNCH is a series of engaging and interactive weekly sessions taught by academically successful upper-year student mentors (LAUNCH Leaders) enrolled in your academic discipline.

 It would be such a waste of two hours. Or so I thought.

Launch was quite the experience. Since we have such enormous classes now, it was a blessing to have one relatively small class in which we weren’t trying to get notes down at record-breaking speed. My LAUNCH leader covered topics like the importance of networking and social contacts, developing personalized learning strategies, time management and planning for the future, which were all very relevant to my life. The small class size also set the stage for new friendships and, as corny as it sounds, some really great memories.

Speaking of the people in the class, my LAUNCH peers and leader were literally the best.  The other first-years were very inclusive and contributed to a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. I definitely learned something important from each one of them. Our mentor, Sarah Girgis, was organized, super caring, inclusive and just so good at what she did. She always looked out for her mentees and helped in any way she could. She set a fabulous example and helped me set new standards for what success at university means. It’s not all about GPA, after all.

My favourite class was definitely Building an Ally Lens. We really got to know each other on a new level by sharing personal stories and some pretty emotional truths. It also really helped me understand the difference between being a bystander of oppression and an ally, something that is especially crucial today.

I have to admit that my LAUNCH class made the Ls I took in first semester a lot less painful. Every Monday, I had the same feeling every human being has on a Monday until I attended my LAUNCH session. Definitely a first-year essential!

Step out of your comfort zone and outmaneuver yourself.

– Azalfa

 

 

 

Ace That Exam: 5 Power Tips for Studying

It’s the most beautiful time of the year. Lights fill the streets, spreading so much cheer.

And we have to study for exams.

We shall stay positive, my friend, and set ourselves up for success with these 5 tips for studying!

1. Organize your study space and schedule.

Whether you work better in a clean environment or a cluttered one, make sure your study space is set up to make you succeed. Remove anything that could distract you (*ahem* your phone) because you don’t want anything breaking your focus. Moreover, make a study schedule to make the best use of your time. With a schedule, you’re less likely to waste time deciding your next task and you’re more likely to do your work since you can see what you’re completing and what you’re neglecting.

2. Take 5 minute breaks every 25 minutes.

Otherwise known as the Pomodoro Technique, this method of time management is one I have found really useful. It ensures you work hard for 25 minutes and then allows you to take a short break, so you can work and procrastinate at the same time! It works because the average adult’s attention span only lasts 20 minutes, so you refresh your ability to focus.

3. Don’t forget food and water!

Your brain needs food and water to function, so make sure it has the best fuel possible. Make sure you eat often to gain energy, but also try your hardest to eat healthy. Click here to check out Buzzfeed’s post about 17 power snacks to eat when studying! Water is absolutely essential as it enhances your attention and memory considerably, so drink up!

when you suddenly remember the grim reality

4. Study with friends!

If done right, studying with friends can have a lot of advantages! For instance, by explaining concepts to each other, not only do you retain them better, but you can also notice new perspectives you may not have noticed on your own! Plus, those who struggle together stay together.

    5. Sleep.

The little devil on your shoulder will tell you to review one last time, but listen to the angel when it tells you to go to sleep. I’m not talking about an hour of sleep, I speak of the unspeakable 6 hours of sleep. Remember, you need sleep to remember, so remember to sleep. Makes sense?

Study hard, step out of your comfort zone and outmaneuver yourself.

– Azalfa