Notes on College Success: Attendance, Attitude, and Practical Strategies

What college success looks like

  • Focus on yourself and your goals: you’re here to learn about the world and think about your future.
  • Many students don’t have their future figured out yet; some may have a clear goal, and that’s okay.
  • Define a job that doesn’t feel like a job: a role you love so much you look forward to it every day. The dream is to enjoy what you do.
  • Example given: you might be an English major; even if the class is English-focused, the idea is that passion and purpose matter, and finding even small signals of interest can guide you.
  • The speaker humorously notes that someone might be an English teacher, which is presented as an approachable dream for someone in the class.
  • The ultimate aim is to pursue a career you love, not just a paycheck.

Core concepts: transferable skills and critical thinking

  • Critical thinking skills are central and transferable: they help with whatever you choose to do.
  • Transferable skills are learned in English class but apply broadly to other areas.
  • Key elements include thinking deeply and critically, and understanding how you learn best.
  • College heavily emphasizes meta-learning: knowing your own learning process is crucial.

Learning how to learn: self-management and curiosity

  • Fine-tune practical skills: time management, staying organized, prioritization, and continuous learning.
  • Cultivate curiosity and interest in the world around you.
  • Be open to new ideas; college aims to expose you to various ways of thinking.
  • Engage with the community and meet different people; involvement beyond the classroom is beneficial.

Creativity, persistence, and responsibility

  • Be engaged and creative, especially in writing; there are many opportunities to be creative.
  • Flexibility is valuable; progress can happen even when obstacles arise (e.g., a wall being closed).
  • Practice persistence: college will present hard material and difficult situations, so demonstrate grit and determination.
  • Don’t give up too easily; take responsibility for your learning and outcomes.
  • Reflect on what you could have done differently after a setback (e.g., on a test or assignment) and consider alternative study strategies.

Practical questions: how to be successful in college

  • The speaker prioritizes practical steps: attendance, note-taking, reading, studying, staying organized, communicating, maintaining the right attitude, and staying engaged.
  • These elements collectively contribute to a successful college experience.

Attendance and participation: practical guidance

  • Attendance matters: show up to class.
  • The speaker loves the first week when many students are present and parking is busy; over time attendance tends to drop, so avoid becoming part of that trend.
  • If you have a question, ask it; chances are others have the same question.
  • Attitude is important: a positive or at least purposefully managed attitude helps the class; energy from the instructor can elevate or bring down the atmosphere.
  • The speaker aims to bring energy and positivity to class, even if dealing with personal stress.
  • Personal vulnerability: sometimes the instructor has rough moments or stress, but the goal is to stay present for students and address concerns openly when appropriate.

Instructor’s approach and expectations

  • Clear expectations: the instructor commits to being explicit so you don’t have to guess what is expected.
  • If something isn’t clear, students should ask; transparency is prioritized.
  • Consistency with course rules: fairness and equal treatment for all students.
  • Feedback on writing: the instructor will provide feedback, though it may take time because there is substantial commenting to do.
  • Availability of guidance and assistance: the instructor will offer help and reach out if there are concerns about a student’s progress.
  • Course schedule: the instructor intends to stay on track and avoid mixing in unrelated material.
  • Responsiveness: the instructor commits to responding to student emails and maintaining communication.

Reflection, support, and real-world relevance

  • The big-picture goal is to help you succeed in moving forward to the next steps after the course.
  • Personal accountability: consider what you could have done differently in past assessments and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Ethical/practical implications include fairness, responsibility for one’s own learning, and seeking help when needed.
  • Real-world relevance: transferable skills, critical thinking, and consistent study habits translate beyond the classroom into any career path.

Summary of practical takeaways

  • Attend classes regularly and participate actively; don’t rely on luck to be present.
  • Develop and apply transferable skills: critical thinking, metacognition, time management, organization, and prioritization.
  • Stay curious, open to new ideas, and engaged with the broader community.
  • Be creative, persistent, and responsible; reflect on your learning process and outcomes.
  • Expect clear communication from instructors; use it to guide your study and ask questions when needed.
  • Seek feedback, utilize available guidance, and stay on track with the syllabus and schedule.
  • Maintain a positive or purposefully managed attitude to support your own learning and your classmates' learning.
  • Use these strategies to work toward a career you love and a life of ongoing learning.