Thursday, May 27, 2021

How to find what you are not looking for

Please read Chapters I and II of Dragons, History Professors, and Other Hazards of College Life. There's a lot of advice in these two chapters, much that you've heard before, plus (perhaps) a few things you hadn't. What (if anything) in these chapters surprises you? Of the familiar advice, what seems worth reinforcing? Is there anything you would have added to the chapter if you were giving college success advice?

5 comments:

  1. Thinking back to my freshman year of college, the advice within the book is spot on. As a student in high school, I never really had to study much, so in college that was something I had to learn how to do. It seems pretty basic, but I was an eighteen year old stuck in my ways, and I honestly thought that I would be able to get by and do well if I went to class. I was so very wrong.
    Another piece of advice I can give, is actually pay attention to the classes you are in. I was a little too obsessed with social media and although I would attend all my classes, I had a tendency to zone out and scroll through Facebook and Twitter when I was bored in class. That also came back to bite me hard when I had no notes from class to study once I actually learned how to study.
    I was never a party girl, so I never got into trouble with drugs or alcohol or anything like that. But I feel like I missed out on some of the social aspects of college because I had a hard time trying things out of my comfort zone. I was so worried about what others would think of me, and I was super judgemental myself, at times. So if I can offer any advice, I'd say to keep an open mind, try things out of your comfort zone, and don't judge. But keep in mind, you don't need to party in order to achieve a social life. -Reeba Sullivan

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    1. Hello Reba,

      Yes, couldn’t have said it better— hold an open mind and never judge. Because we all make mistakes and hold our own set of problems. But, you must also remember we’re all at different places in our life, come from different backgrounds, and hold different experiences so it effects ones acts and reactions. But, if you stay with an open mind you’ll learn from all experiences.

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  2. Hi Ancient Art,

    I really liked chapter 1 and 2 of Dragon. I can tell that the author is in tune with the reality of life. The intro to chapter one about adulthood and what one expected it to be compared to the real person ending in emptiness was satisfying to hear. I can relate to a lot of the advice in Unit 2, I feel like you didn't miss much of what we have all heard before. I guess I would add feel free to express yourself and be open to new possibilities, don't worry about peoples looks and drive environmentally friendly vehicles, get into ethical relative discussions like climate change.

    Thanks for a good nights read,
    Harmony Mariar

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    1. Harmony,

      Yes, experience— new music, cuisine, books, events, — hey join some clubs. Then embrace it and learn for the experiences; good or bad. And remember to work hard while you do it and you won’t have time to worry about what others are doing of have— because you’ll be filled up on life.

      Ebonie

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  3. I must admit this was an entertaining read — definitely for eighteen year olds fresh out of high school. But, I found myself laughing, amazed, and shock reading the first seventeen pages. The best advice given thus far was when Mr. Marmorstein told his son to read his Bible and pray when he’s feeling down. Because God will never leave you nor forsake you and will get you through whatever you’re experiencing. And I’m a firm believer of that!

    But, what I would add to what’s already suggested within these pages —is to find your rhythm —but go hard M-F so your weekends are free. And that way you can enjoy your Saturday and Sunday’s because your homework is already completed. This will help prevent from burning out. Also, if the syllabus is available prior to your class beginning— read it immediately and take note of due dates and the type of assignments required of you. Because this can help you calculate the time needed to complete each assignment —since papers and projects usually require more of your time than say an assignment that’s weighed at only 10 points.

    I hope this adds some additional gems to what’s already mentioned.

    Ebonie

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