English major Catalina Skinner relaxes and reads a book in between classes in the Q uad Aug 30. Phoenix Kanada | Photo Editor | [email protected]
Opinion: Showing up for myself and staying motivated at City College
On a cold January morning in 2009 I came to City College for the first time. There I met a co-worker who helped me sign up for classes. We decided to take a 9 a.m. nutrition class together. On that first day of class I experienced a range of emotions. I was scared, excited, nervous, proud—proud because it had been just a year and a half earlier that I had decided to not pursue a college education.
I didn’t think college was for me. I thought working in banking was the path I would go down. When my goal of becoming a banker didn’t pan out, I decided, with the help of my co-worker, to sign up for school and pursue business marketing. I chose business marketing because I wanted to be in the music industry and travel. I also believed that I could be creative in that field of work.
When I signed up for the spring 2009 semester, I had no real goal besides finishing a degree at Sac State. Over time, I worked my way into banking. I was so grateful for all the opportunity that came my way. After I finished my first year at the bank, I soon realized that the bank life wasn’t for me. I felt lost, unsure of what exactly I wanted to do next. I remember telling my brother one night that I thought I should be covering the Met Gala. Why am I not reporting from the red carpet? Then one day, I had an epiphany and said, “Why not?” Fast forward three years later, and I am now the co-editor-in-chief of the Express. I plan to study journalism and finish a bachelor’s degree at Sac State.
This wasn’t done by accident, although sometimes it feels like a dream. This took years of self evaluation, trial and error, and a lot of sweat and tears of hard work. This semester, I am putting my advice and years of experience as a student to good use and helping my friend, Sunny. She is a single mom of four and has decided to go to college for the first time. It is such an honor to help my friend on this new journey.
As I told Sunny, at the start of every semester I try to think about my intentions—how I plan to balance my work and school schedule, and still have some much-needed personal time. And every semester, I never really seem to stick to my initial plan. Still, I always seem to get into a groove and sail through the semester. I have found that there are some key components to my success at City College, which might be helpful for you, too.
First, I recognize the effort it takes to sign myself up for classes and keep coming back every semester. When I register, I realize that I am showing up for myself. I have decided—perhaps like you—that this represents me planning for my future and creating a better life for myself. No one can do the school work for me. Yes, there may be friends and family to lean on, but I am the one, day in and day out, putting forward the work necessary to pass my classes.
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Preparation is a big part of success when it comes to a semester win. I have been on both sides of this. I have been that student who reads ahead, marks his text with a highlighter, and takes no risks with his time. I have also been the student who is sleep-deprived and missed the deadline for his essay. But every time I felt like I conquered the day, it was because I was prepared. This is not easy. It takes time and practice.
The best way I’ve found to be prepared is to stay organized. One thing I have found true for myself is to organize everything around me. That means my room is organized and uncluttered, as is my car. Everything down to my backpack is in order. Honestly, this is easier said than done, but I continue to practice at getting this right. I also find that keeping a to-do list is also a great way to stay organized. When I write down my priorities, it keeps me in order and is a form of constant communication with myself throughout the day.
Communication is probably the most important factor for having a successful semester. In the fall of 2011, my car broke down, I didn’t have much motivation, and I dropped my classes. In retrospect, I had to fall and learn that lesson. But if only I had communicated with the people around me and my professors, I could have avoided a bigger problem—academic probation.
Now I know that when you have a plan of action for your school work/life, it’s helpful to talk it out with an academic counselor or professor. That’s a great way to get sound advice. I have had professors give me news or advice I didn’t necessarily want to hear, but it gave me what I needed to get going on a better path. If you don’t feel comfortable being vulnerable with a professor or counselor, talk with a parent or a close friend. We all as students carry so much with us, so releasing our thoughts, fears and wishes to someone who is willing to listen and be helpful can mean the difference between a successful semester and a dismal one.
When I decided to return as a journalism student, it took me three semesters to get off academic probation. I have learned that having more dedication has helped me sharpen my skills. If you fail, or decide to drop classes this semester, know that you can pick up your education in the future. It is not the end; it is just a bump in the road in your story, your journey.
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