My First College Experience

By Nick Maker

The month of September was my first time beginning community college, so the experience for me was all new as a homeschool graduate.

The first week was a tough one. I had to make an adjustment in terms of meeting professors, getting used to the new pile of homework, and everything. There was one class that was sort of useful, teaching about the first year experience in college. College Algebra had its rough edges but in English I did pretty well, especially from a professor I like with his teaching methods.

Now I’m not saying that all college homeschoolers will have a bad month at first. In fact, I saw the rest of the students who just got out of high school had the same problems as I did adjusting to the new environment, the fast pacing, and the more independent studying. There is always the tutoring center which is free since I pay my tuition. The career advisor is essential on what classes will go for your career to get an associate degree. I talk with an advisor and it turns out great! I heard when someone has problems, especially anxiety or stress, they go to a counselor to get help with the problem and the best part it’s free!

I went to clubs and events, and most of them were pretty fun to interact and enjoy with people. I joined the computer club which is pretty interesting to learn some skills of computer building. I do enjoy most of the events that I attend and got some free stuff along the way (just knickknacks, don’t think I got huge stuff or anything).

At the end of the month it was rough around the edges, but hopefully I will improve in the month of October. Trust me, it’s not just the homeschool effect; the change is for everyone because college is a new experience. Like any new school you go to, of course everyone will have their different situation adjustment.

My words of advice: as soon as you have problems in an assignment, seek help at the tutoring center, ask your professors to make an appointment; and most important if it’s stress related, a counselor is good to help with this new situation as they handle all cases of people.

Hope you all have a great month!