Dear Eagles,
“Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear / I rise”
–Maya Angelou “Still I Rise”
January is here, and a new year brings new beginnings — new goals, a new opportunity to rise to meet our goals. Each course requires distinct strategies for studying, learning, and growth. This month’s message is encouragement to continue to rise, set goals, and engage with campus.
Continue to Rise
Each year yields an opportunity to grow. Rising to the next level requires adapting and seeking out help. It is okay to ask for assistance, and getting assistance could lead to expanding one’s network.
Take a moment to examine the times in fall when decisions were made to zig when one should have zagged — perhaps spending too much time watching tv, looking at a phone, socializing, or not studying. Make new decisions moving forward for the spring semester.
Set Goals
What keeps you motivated? What are you trying to achieve? If the answer is "I do not know" to either of these questions, this is also motivation.
Thinking in the short term gives students a way to see growth. Reading a book could give students a new perspective on life, society, or their roommate’s weird behaviors of never cleaning up their side of the room. Studying in a new way could produce better grades.
Long-term goals could give each student a goal to push towards in life. Want to be the next astronaut on the moon? Want to be the best educator or perhaps write the next popular app? Each class and literally every single day could push students towards this goal by learning a new skill or practicing a new study strategy.
Engage
Campus resources, especially in University College, help students achieve goals. If English or Math did not go well in the fall, try one of these services. Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (tutoring schedules will be available starting January 21 for spring) and the Writing and Speaking Studio are great places to start. Many tutors are current students going through the same roadblocks or they have experienced them within the last few years. Engage with at least one office on campus to find your place and take a step.
If you want to talk about your next steps, your academic advisor is a great starting point as well. If you have additional questions, call or text me at 919-695-1211.
Sincerely,
Zack Underwood
Dean of University College
[email protected]