10 How To Start College On A Good Note
Kristi Nicodemo
Everyone has been there – that first day of school. You might have been excited and looking forward to the day or you may have been nervous and dreading it, but we have all been there. College can be at a different level and you’ll want to make a good impression.
To who? To your professors, to your classmates, but most importantly, to yourself.
A good start at school can set the standard for your year. Preparation is a key part of making a good impression. Have all the supplies that you need, including extra pens, pencils and paper so you are never without and can share with someone who forgot – you might just make a friend! Make sure to take a look at a map of the campus or drop by for a quick visit to find your classes and what buildings you will be in. Double check your schedule to know what classes you will be taking and who your professors are.
The evening before your first day of class take a look at the weather. Make sure you dress appropriately for poor weather with an umbrella for the rain or a scarf for the wind. Make sure you set your set your wake up alarm to ensure you get there on time – try to aim to be early! Double check your transportation. Will the buses be running? Is there gas in the car you’ll be in tomorrow? Is there air in the tires? Lay out your clothes for the next day, dress professionally. Think getting ready for a job interview. The goal is to make a good first impression on people.
The day of class, attend with a positive attitude and an open mind. Arrive prepared to learn new things and to meet new people. Stay positive and spread it as you go, be genuinely happy for your classmates. Pay attention in class and be prepared to take notes. Greet your professors with a ‘Hello’ when you arrive and offer them a sincere ‘Thank you’ at the end of your class.
The most important part of a good first day of class is to have fun! School should be an amazing learning experience and I hope you enjoy every moment of it!
Kristi Nicodemo is a 1st year Event Management student at St. Clair College and a grad of the Travel and Tourism program. She has been a tutor since September 2017. Nicodemo plans to continue her education next year with a degree in Hospitality Management. In the future, Nicodemo wishes to inspire and bring joy to others in the workforce with her experience with tourism, hospitality and event management.
Photo credit: Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash
From the OE 9x9x25 Inspiration Gallery:
College can be at a different level and you’ll want to make a good impression. To who? To your professors, to your classmates, but most importantly, to yourself. ~ Kristi Nicodemo
Discussion Questions
- How do you make a good impression as a tutor to your students, to your fellow tutors and to the tutoring staff?
- Nicodemo’s post suggests students approach their first day of classes with professionalism. What does it mean to be professional as a tutor?
- How do you prepare for your tutoring sessions?
Scenario
Today did not start out well and you were running late when you got to the college. You had a frustrating morning class, the line up for the cafe is too long so you have to skip getting a coffee and you arrive for your tutoring appointment with 5 minutes to spare. What do you do to prepare to meet your student with a positive attitude?
Reflection Prompt
Nicodemo’s advice for students for their first day of class is also good advice for one’s first day of work in your choosen career after graduation. Most, if not all, students pursue an particular program because they want a career in that field. Consider your role as a tutor. How can your experiences as a tutor be related to that first job after graduation in your field? Make a list of skills, behaviours and attitudes you have developed as a tutor that have relevance to the job.
