Cougar Cry
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How to Survive Your First Year at College
To: Non Traditional Students
From: A Non Traditional Student
Libby Weatherman
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Wilkes
Community College! Do not feel alone as you sit in
your first class and wonder, “What in the world am I do
ing here?” We have all been there! Just know that you
are where you are supposed to be. I have found that for
every door that closes another one opens and if not for
losing my job, I would have never been in the position
I’m in now. I will hopefully be graduating next May with
an associate’s degree in Human Services. Yes, at first it
was very difficult. Just getting back into school after
such a long absence was very scary. Nevertheless,
through it all I have survived and become a much better
person for it. Here are some tips that I hope will help you
along your way.
Expect to be overwhelmed your first few weeks
at college. This is normal. After all, this is a new experi
ence and a big change in your life. The main thing to re
member is it will get better with each passing semester.
Please don’t quit without talking to someone first. We in
SGA will be glad to help you find where or whom you
may need to see. Feel free to come by our office any
time.
Don’t overload yourself! If you are taking devel
opmental courses that have a separate lab, remember
that it is almost like taking two courses. Overloading of
too many courses will end up in excelling in none. Be
sure to discuss with your advisor what your responsibili
ties are and incorporate your needs with your course re
quirements.
Set aside time for homework! Time manage
ment and scheduling are very important. If you have chil
dren do homework at the same time. It not only allows
time to be with each other but you can help your children
as well as them help you.
If you are having trouble with a course, please
first discuss the problem with your instructor. Then if the
problem cannot be resolved go to the lead (head) of the
department (each department has one.) If no resolution
can be made, next make an appointment to meet with
the Dean of Instruction, Dr. Walt Plexico. If necessary,
the final step is to file a grievance with the Dean of Stu
dent Services, Larry Caudill. Just remember that each
step must be followed. If you try to bypass a step you will
be sent back to the step you skipped. Remember your
opinion is appreciated and taken seriously. Above all,
hang in there because it only gets better.
Please note, there is always someone available
to talk with if you are having problems. Wonderful coun
selors are available in both the Student Services Office
(located in the Student Center) and the Student Support
Services Office {located in Thompson Hall).
When you go into Thompson Hall from the Stu
dent Center Building, go up the first flight of steps, turn
left, and take the steps to the top floor. To your left is our
Student Lab. During fall and spring semesters it is fully
staffed with helpful assistants that assist in computer
operations, English, and math. To your right is Student
Support Services, which is also a great resource for non
traditional students. See the staff and they will give you
information needed to join this organization. John Haw
kins, the secretary, will be glad to make you an appoint
ment.
Try to set up a good support system. Your
spouse (if married) can be of great help. After 30 years
mine finally has learned to wash clothes, cook and help
with the needs of our son. Yes ladies, our spouses can
learn these things. Try to incorporate your spouse in ac
tivities at the college, such as WCC’s dinner theater,
plays, and the Walker Center events. This helps them to
see just where you are most of your days. Please realize
that your spouse is going through an adjustment period
too. Some have a great fear of change, and are simply
afraid that you will out grow them.
At WCC, we have great resources to help you
along the way. SGA, Student Services, and Student
Support Services holds special workshops. Be sure to
use these resources because they are there for you.
Stress times are at mid-term and finals. For
some reason, getting everything completed in college at
the end of a semester is a time of stress for most peo
ple. I have found that we impose most of the stress on
ourselves. It is usually not as bad as you think. Do not
give up, you can do it!
Always stay up to date on your work. This is a
big help with those little surprises you never count on
happening. Be on time for all of your classes and turn in
assignments as required. Give your instructors and fel
low students the same respect you would like to receive
from them. Be the best you can be because no one can
ask for more.
When in doubt ask an upper classmate. You
can depend on them because they’ve been there them
selves.
I hope you enjoy your college experience as
much as I have. Join a club! Yes, I know you don’t have
time. I felt the same way. However, since I took the
Leadership Development class, I so enjoy my club asso
ciations. It helps me unwind and get to know my fellow
classmates in a more relaxed setting. You learn about
such leadership qualities as how to get along with others
and being part of a team. Come join us at the Student
Government Association. We post flyers before all meet
ings. Be sure to keep a check on all of the bulletin
boards. We post flyers before all student events and
workshops. Above all enjoy your college experience and
look forward to the reward at the end!