“First years only do assignments the day before and are generally slack”
Although my argument for, “first years only do assignments the day before and are generally slack” is a very generalised comment, I believe most first years are victims of this. First years tend to procrastinate and leave all their work for the last moment, possibly because they have done it before in high school and gotten away with it, so they think that varsity is no different. Once you start doing an assignment the day before and obtain a really pleasing mark, you have this idea in your mind that it will always work, and you find yourself using the most over rated statement at varsity, ‘I work well under pressure” which in my opinion is just pure luck! Trust me, one day it will catch up to you.
Being a first year is not as easy as it sounds, and most first years tend to take a lot of things for granted, including their work. Finding the balance between academics and social life is one of the most challenging parts of being a first year, and the ideology that ‘first year is easy’ is utter nonsense. Each individual is different, and it is only fair to believe the ideology once you have passed first year with flying colours and can look back and have no regrets. Many first years don’t take their courses seriously, and as a result they end up failing certain subjects and have to fall back a year. Most first years don’t realise that all the assignments add up in the end and this could determine whether you pass or fail your subject.
After observing several students in the jacaranda labs the night before an assignment was due, I noticed that most of them were not really interested in the content of their work as they were rushing to finish on time and printed their work without even proof reading. You cannot produce work to your full ability when you do it last minute, as most assignments require thorough research and well thought out arguments. If you are pressed for time, you neglect this factor, and the only worry on your mind is “will I finish on time?” .This results in assignments being slack and lecturers having to question us on our ability to write assignments.
Ever heard of the quote, “if you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up somewhere else”. Well most first years are very enthusiastic when they come to university and don’t really know what they want. Although it’s quite normal to have these mixed feelings, especially since they only in first year and not expected to make life long decisions, they should at least know that they are here to attain a degree and by neglecting the most important part of university, which is academics, they could risk losing their place at varsity.
First years are generally overwhelmed by the incredible opportunities available and seek advice from almost everyone. While this is advisable, sometimes getting the wrong advice could mess up your perceptions of certain aspects of varsity life and could change your view on how to tackle first year, especially with work. In my opinion, I think that even though some subjects are more demanding than others, you should dedicate enough time to studies and do assignments in advance to prevent them from being slack.
Although my argument for, “first years only do assignments the day before and are generally slack” is a very generalised comment, I believe most first years are victims of this. First years tend to procrastinate and leave all their work for the last moment, possibly because they have done it before in high school and gotten away with it, so they think that varsity is no different. Once you start doing an assignment the day before and obtain a really pleasing mark, you have this idea in your mind that it will always work, and you find yourself using the most over rated statement at varsity, ‘I work well under pressure” which in my opinion is just pure luck! Trust me, one day it will catch up to you.
Being a first year is not as easy as it sounds, and most first years tend to take a lot of things for granted, including their work. Finding the balance between academics and social life is one of the most challenging parts of being a first year, and the ideology that ‘first year is easy’ is utter nonsense. Each individual is different, and it is only fair to believe the ideology once you have passed first year with flying colours and can look back and have no regrets. Many first years don’t take their courses seriously, and as a result they end up failing certain subjects and have to fall back a year. Most first years don’t realise that all the assignments add up in the end and this could determine whether you pass or fail your subject.
After observing several students in the jacaranda labs the night before an assignment was due, I noticed that most of them were not really interested in the content of their work as they were rushing to finish on time and printed their work without even proof reading. You cannot produce work to your full ability when you do it last minute, as most assignments require thorough research and well thought out arguments. If you are pressed for time, you neglect this factor, and the only worry on your mind is “will I finish on time?” .This results in assignments being slack and lecturers having to question us on our ability to write assignments.
Ever heard of the quote, “if you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up somewhere else”. Well most first years are very enthusiastic when they come to university and don’t really know what they want. Although it’s quite normal to have these mixed feelings, especially since they only in first year and not expected to make life long decisions, they should at least know that they are here to attain a degree and by neglecting the most important part of university, which is academics, they could risk losing their place at varsity.
First years are generally overwhelmed by the incredible opportunities available and seek advice from almost everyone. While this is advisable, sometimes getting the wrong advice could mess up your perceptions of certain aspects of varsity life and could change your view on how to tackle first year, especially with work. In my opinion, I think that even though some subjects are more demanding than others, you should dedicate enough time to studies and do assignments in advance to prevent them from being slack.
1 comment:
I do agree with you that first year students do tend to wait for the last minute but I am sure that you are aware of the fact that, some first years work ahead. Not every one in first year lacks focus and it seems like I am getting that impression from you. Some students come from inferior backgrounds as compared to others who come from very wealthy families so much that coming to university is just a phase of maturity they have to go through. Such students are determined to make it in time such that, during their spare time all they do is research and study. I am sure you have come across such people at this campus. The warning so to say you give concerning students' attitude towards assignments and academic life is quite essential though it would be of much effect if most people would listen to such advice.
Post a Comment