LIFE

How to have a successful semester in 6 simple steps

These six steps can help you to be more mindful, get through the school year and graduate with success.
Illustration by Zeinab Agbaria | Washtenaw Voice

Yana McGuire

Staff Writer

Welcome to your fall semester! Whether you are a new or a returning student, you are one step closer to your dreams. Each step takes a lot of hard work and can be a bit overwhelming. Let’s take a moment to breathe and review some tips from experts and my own personal experience so that you can take that step with confidence.

Review each syllabus and organize early

This will give you a full understanding of your class schedule, what will be expected from you, and what materials you will need. Gather all your materials ahead of time and set reminders on your favorite device for important classroom dates.

Meet with your success coach

Your success coach can connect you to everything WCC has to offer in a one-on-one session geared toward supporting your academic needs. According to WCC Student Success Specialist, Earle Jackson, scheduling an appointment early is key.

“For first year students, anywhere between two and three weeks before the semester starts is best. We can talk about preparation and navigating blackboard, so you can start day one off on the right foot. For returning students, [scheduling within] the second or third week of the semester so we can discuss how it has been going so far and any challenges or barriers that they have encountered. Then we can do some correcting, if necessary, before they are too far into the semester,” she explained.

To schedule an appointment, go to https://www.wccnet.edu/succeed/success-coach/

Set short-term goals

Jackson continues, “I always like to tell students to set some sort of short-term goal. It helps to motivate them. They know they are working towards something that isn’t five years down the line. It is harder to see goals that are far away.” This is also a great way to hold yourself accountable and reward yourself for a job well done. If you are unsure of what goals to set, your coach can help you.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

WCC has many resources available with multiple ways you can access them. The WCC website is a great source of information. If you like a more personal method, your coach is there to help. More of a people person? One week before the fall and winter semester, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion holds success conferences for new and returning students that will connect you with coaches and resources according to your needs. Christina Do, the Coordinator of Student Equity & Inclusion, strongly encourages students to reach out before burn out sets in.

“I suggest really exploring WCC to the fullest. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because you are paying for your education. There are staff here who really care about supporting students. It is a shame to see someone who needs help not ask for it because things could have turned out differently for them. We just want to be here to help students be as successful as they can be,” she said.

For more information on the next success conferences, go to https://www.wccnet.edu/succeed/success-conferences/

Get involved with campus connect

Look at the clubs you can join through Campus Connect. Surrounding yourself with positive people that share similar interests can be a rewarding experience that opens doors for you.

Do states, “I think there is so much to be gained from taking the time and making intentional effort to build connections with people. You never know, your next mentor, friend, or study buddy could help you get your next job.”

View all WCC clubs at https://wccnet.campuslabs.com/engage/

Set time to unwind

Make sure you are scheduling time to let your mind rest. When asked what the best tip you could give to keep students motivated, Do states, “Taking care of yourself is always really important. Community college students, in particular, understand how hard it is to balance multiple responsibilities in life. A lot of students are balancing work and family, so school is just one piece of their life. We are seeing more and more now the importance of mental health.” To do your best, your mind must rest.

Need some school advice, have any questions, or do you just want to talk things out to gain some clarity?

No worries, we’re here to help!

The Voice is pleased to welcome back staff writer Yana McGuire’s advice column: Let’s Chat.

Scan the QR code to fill out a Google Form with your question and receive a response in the next issue.

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Editor’s note: This story was updated to refer to Ms. Earle Jackson as she.