- Campus:
- IU Southeast
Focus of the story: Brief synopsis of your struggle
I didn't know how to study for my major.
Describe your learning story and how you developed, grew or and overcame the problem.
I started my first semester of school during the Covid-19 pandemic and the very thought of studying computer science was a nightmare for me. I had heard of how difficult it would be and I was not confident in my ability to succeed in the major. I am glad that I was stressed because fear convinced me to work hard but I also wish that I could have relaxed and explored more. On top of this stress, my first couple of semesters at IUS were a challenge for me as I was still developing good study habits and the necessary skills to succeed as a computer science major.
There were a couple of things that made my experience difficult. The number one problem was that I did not do enough personal research on how to study as a computer science scholar. As a result of this, my first couple of classes were a real struggle. I took my notes the wrong way and I kept taking notes of things that were not important, so my test scores were not that great. To help with my test scores, I paid particular attention to recorded lecture videos instead of the book. I also worked more on exercises than on reading my notes before exams. Being able to do the exercises before the exam helped me score much higher than before. It brought my test scores from C's to A's!
Describe the impact that this experience had on you.
I found that the most important thing as a beginner computer science student is to learn how to study efficiently with the least amount of time so that the rest of the time can be used for lab assignments and research. Knowing how to study is key as most careers require further certifications and so studying never ends. I went from not knowing how to study to being capable of studying well and passing my exams. I am thankful for the experience I now have on how to research and to study for a particular test or assignment. I am proud of the work that I have done because I am ready for an engineering career.