Walking through the Free Expression Tunnel a couple days ago, I was greeted with one of life’s most embarrassing moments: a fall. In a hurried attempt to reclaim my ego, I jumped up and pretended it never happened. We might not all fall physically, but it is quite possible to slip up in your academic performance. Like a literal fall, it is the way you handle this situation now that makes the difference in the long run.
We are in the first major round of tests and essays. Undoubtedly, there will be some disappointed faces among us when grades are returned. For some, a bad grade is representative of a lack of understanding of the material. On the other hand, others were not properly prepared or had demonstrated poor attendance. In either case, there is a remedy for these situations to change the future for the better.
As far as attending class is concerned, you only have one option: be there. Not only is attendance taken in many lower-level classes, but it will affect your grade in a class for better or worse. The American Educational Research Association recently reviewed research on class attendance in college. Their analysis revealed college class attendance is a better predictor of college grades than scores on standardized admissions tests such as the SAT, high school GPA, study habits, and study skills. Wake up, put on your clothes and go to class, because your grade depends on it.
Despite hours of study and faithful classroom attendance, it is possible to still not understand material. Fortunately, the University provides services to compensate for this. Mandatory professor’s office hours, writing and speaking tutorial services, and the Undergraduate Tutorial Center are available to all students who need help. Each is unique in its own right and can clear up any confusion you might have on a wide variety of subjects, you just have to take the initiative to take advantage of their services.
It is important to realize that none of us are perfect. Mistakes, embarrassing moments, and failures will happen at some point in our lives. We all have the ability and choice in how this will affect us long term. We are still relatively early in the semester so it is certainly not too late to get help and change your fate. American columnist Marilyn vos Savant summed it up perfectly when she said, “Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.” I can’t imagine there is a feeling much worse than getting the boot from college because of something you failed to do. All that is required for your long term success in college is to recognize the problem, take command of your ship, and turn your vessel around.
