Happy September, Gaels! With summer slipping away, I bet many of you are feeling a mix of excitement and dread about the new school year. Let’s start with a fun question: How many of you are experiencing that last-minute scramble to buy textbooks, find the perfect outfits for the first few weeks, or maybe just figuring out how to balance it all? Yeah, we’ve all been there!
My name is Maria, and I’m a (mature) ArtSci student who’s been navigating the waters at Queen’s University since 2023. I’m majoring in Global Development Studies (DEVS) and minoring in Psychology (PSYC). Funnily enough, I started with the plan to major in Psychology. However, as many of you might have experienced, sometimes our plans don’t unfold the way we envision them.
Initially, I had my sights set firmly on a Psychology major. Unfortunately, my grades didn’t quite meet the mark, and I found myself feeling pretty frustrated. I put in a lot of effort and believed I had done my best at that time. It was disheartening to fall short of the required grades, but it also became a learning experience. Rather than just retaking PSYC100 to improve my grades, I took a step back to reflect on my passions and found that DEVS might be my true calling.
Reflecting on my first year, I realize how crucial support and resources were in helping me through academic and personal challenges. One of the standout experiences was the Get It Done event hosted by SASS. Get It Done is a daylong study session for students to tackle their tasks. It was an absolute game-changer for me. Not only did it help me stay on top of assignments and exams, but it also significantly improved my learning skills. The coaches at the event were incredibly supportive, offering guidance and strategies that made a big difference. Stay tuned because it will be happening again at the end of Fall and Winter classes—and I will definitely be there! 😊
Looking back, I do regret not taking full advantage of all the workshops and one-on-one appointments SASS offered. At the time, I thought I had everything under control and that seeking help wasn’t necessary. I realize now that this was a mistake—being too proud to ask for help wasn’t serving me well. Accepting that it's okay to need support is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way.
As we gear up for this fall term, I’m determined to approach things differently. I’ve made a conscious decision to better prepare and plan my commitments well in advance. I’m excited about taking proactive steps this year, like making the most of professors' office hours, engaging more with my teaching assistants, and seeking help from any department or resource that might benefit me. I want to ensure that I’m not only managing my coursework effectively, but also making the most out of the diverse opportunities available to us at Queen’s.
For those of you who might be feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the new term, know that you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious about what’s ahead. But remember, there’s a wealth of resources and support systems here to help you navigate these challenges. Don’t make the same mistake I did—reach out, ask for help, and take advantage of all the resources at your disposal.
So, here’s to a new academic year filled with growth, learning, and, hopefully, a lot of fun. Let’s embrace the challenges ahead with open minds and a willingness to seek out support when we need it. If you ever find yourself in need of advice or just want to chat, feel free to reach out—I’m always up for connecting with fellow students and sharing experiences.
Welcome back, and let’s do this!
Cheers,
M.