Reading at the speed of light, able to study from the tallest building and passing tests in a single bound; it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no! It’s a student superhero.
Being a successful student is easier said than done, but with the many resources available on campus and the numerous clubs welcoming members every semester, every student has the opportunity to do his or her best.
“We encourage new students to make an effort to find the resources available to them on campus,” Lisa George, library media technician, said. “There are so many more out there than students realize.”
The Learning Resources Center is one of the many places students can go to find trained tutors in a variety of subjects available free of charge, George said.
“Some students think if they need tutoring it means they’re dumb, but it’s actually the smartest thing to utilize what’s offered to you,” George said. “Students may be doing well in a class, but tutoring may help them get the extra edge they need.”
There are also Academic Strategies courses available to help students improve their basic reading and math skills.
During a 16-week session, students will use a “Computer Assisted Instructional System that tailors lesson assignments to each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses,” according to the Academic Strategies flier.
Proper study habits are a key to being a successful student, and the Schauerman Library and website are there to help.
“The only questions that go unanswered are the ones that are not asked,” Tamara Evans, library media technician, said. “The staff is here to help, students should ask questions and not be afraid.”
Looking at the library website to find major specific areas in the library is one way to find proper study material, Evans said. She also suggests setting a time and schedule for studying to create a routine of good study habits.
“Cramming at the last minute never goes well,” Evans said. “Pace yourself and take an hour every day, even go over the material more than once to let it sink in. If you start to get overwhelmed talk to someone and ask for help.”
When students can’t make it to the Library to study, a quiet room at home, a book store or even the car can make for a good study environment, Evans said.
“It’s easy to find areas to study, you just need to find what works for you,” Evans said. “And always make sure to make the time to decompress from schoolwork.”
Places like the Writing Center offer unlimited pre-writing conferences, writing conferences and review of college applications and essays. Students must have updated student ID’s to use all of the services offered.
“This is my first time using the writing center and it’s pretty helpful,” Eddyson Valenzuela, 19, business major said. “My friend brought me here and I’ve been working on a research paper.”
Students can also find success by joining the many clubs active on campus.
“By joining a club students stay motivated, and the success goes beyond EC,” Jeannine Barba, Alpha Gamma Sigma adviser and Student Services Specialist, said. “Students stay connected to each other and learn to network.”
Being involved with clubs can help students with everyday life by learning how to work in groups with different personalities and networking with advisers and professors, Barba said.
“I feel a part of a community and have met so many new people,” Peggy Hodges, mechanical engineering major and member of Alpha Gamma Sigma, said. “People outside of school recognize you and you’re apart of a community that helps others.”