Are you already dreading the end of the semester and all the bad grades you expect to earn?
Are you one of those wishing there is a way to undo some of what you have done this semester?
Do you want a chance to redo that big paper that you got an F on or to retake the tests?
What about wishing you had come to every class and on time?
Do you wish to take back every time you ignored your homework?
A number of Fresno City College students shared some of what they wish they did differently this semester.
“I would not have procrastinated so much. I just let the work pile up, and it made me realize I have to get organized better,” said Steven Russell, biology major. Russell said he wishes he had focused more on school and his assignments.
Linda Cadieux, an FCC student, says she wishes she had made changes before the semester started. “Looking back, I wish I could have found a baby sitter,” she said. “It’s tough to get actual time to study when I have demanding life outside of school; with a baby sitter, I wouldn’t have to worry so much about how I’m going to keep both sides happy”.
Cadieux added that she wishes she had spent more time analyzing the requirements for her chosen career pathway. She said, “At the beginning of the semester, I found myself in a position where I absolutely had to take math classes which counselors previously deemed not necessary. It was so frustrating.”
“Being more responsible towards the learning process is something I’d definitely considered,” said David Jonathon Bailey, music major. Bailey said that when he looks back on the semester, he imagines what a change in attitude over the semester would have brought.
Another student, Erik Garibay, an enology major, said he’d change his acquired bad habit of mixing wine with homework. “I end up, pushing the homework to the side, and one glass turns into three or four,” Garibay said.
Angelica Orong, art major, said she deeply regrets some of her actions this semester. She said, “I wish I had not skipped so many classes.” She confessed that the temptation for ditching classes is always present. Being absent from class is one of the more common bad habits among college students.
In the past, FCC, through its various programs, has helped promote healthy changes within students, including healthy habits and mental preparation for what it takes to be successful. Last year, for example, the Puente Program brought in FCC Tutorial Center Coordinator, Ray Sanchez, to explain to students how a few sacrifices and changes in lifestyle brought him great success as a student. Sanchez talked about time management, self focus towards achievement, and finally keeping good, supportive people around as tools for success.
As for this reporter, when considering something I wish I could have changed over the last semester only one thing comes to mind: not nominating my nutrition teacher for an outstanding teacher award. Even though I had her class sometime ago, the lessons I learned from her, both inside and outside the class, were invaluable and have enriched my life.
