Tellez 105310177 1 Luz Tellez Professor Vana Derohanessian English 114A 5 December 2013 Stepping Stone We are all

constantly encountering situations where the decisions that will benefit the now will have consequences down the road. The decision that might seem severe and tolling right away will sometimes, ultimately be more worthwhile. The answer can change at any time, but for right now Im going to stick with something as simple as I want a better life." College is a stepping-stone in life used to achieve goals; it can either stumble or lead down the right path. It is ultimately up to the individual, whether to make the best out of it or take the path that leads nowhere. Although my high school experiences were not ideal, the skills I have acquired from consistently assist to enhance my academic performance in college. High school gave me the proper mentality on how to approach college workload. The appropriate mentality requires someone with a self-reliant mindset to solve problems independently. In any circumstance, I try to make the initiative action to solve my problems while intentionally sacrificing my time. For example, doing my homework helped me devote time outside of school. My AP and International Baccalaureate classes helped me set up a mentality on managing my time with the workload I was going to receive in college. Although high school prepared me mentally, the teaching styles of both institutions are exceptionally different. In college, the instructors tell the students what to learn and require them to learn on their own. In a way, they set up a certain framework and have the students use this framework as a template for students to apply in their studies. Whereas in high school, we spent

Tellez 105310177 2 more hours in school and have less time to work individually. I believe AP classes gave me false expectations, which lead me to believe college to be difficult. In reality, college is more openminded. The one thing that distinguishes the curriculum between both schools is how approachable the professors can be at CSUN. Although my classes differ in sizes, the professors in college seem to show far more interest in students than in my previous school. The sum of these different teaching styles helped me become more aware of the false assumptions that are made about college. For instance, some assumptions presume attendance is not mandatory, just as long as the student passes the final. This notion is not entirely true because skipping is similar to throwing money down the drain. If you choose not to attend your classes, you are only harming yourself. Furthermore, some instructors make attendance a requirement and a significant part of the students' grade. Personally, I appreciate all of my classes; I wouldnt want to miss them for anything. The teaching techniques in high school provided opportunities, so that students may benefit from a high-quality experience, yet it didnt teach me to manage a budget. High school was a time transportation was not an issue or managing money on your own. Having a strict budget helped me realize that money can easily be spent. Being more cautious in buying your books, school supplies, and materials influence money management. This is the most challenging part as a student, as we have to learn how to spend wisely because our funds are not limitless. The most important thing I would have done differently in high school to prepare myself before college would be to socialize more. Although I haven't had much experience as a college student, I believe it's difficult to vent out my feelings based only on short period of time. Mike Rose, an educator once said, You'll have to shut down, have to reject intellectual stimuli or diffuse them with sarcasm, have to cultivate stupidity, have to convert boredom from a malady

Tellez 105310177 3 into a way of confronting the world (3). In this quote, Mike Rose emphasizes his viewpoints dealing with social relationships. I can truly relate to this piece, because I would always hide behind a book. I read to enter another world in order to escape into the wonderful world of imagination. Social interactions and communication are essential in college, yet I havent been able to attempt this. As a devoted reader, most of my days are spent in the library. My school was small and very dull; reading was the most exciting part to do in school. Hopefully, in time, I will get out of my comfort zone and become more social. It will provide a collective network that can lead to strong bonds and useful resources. Perhaps then college can start to feel less stressful. I want to use the positive and negative experiences from high school to build upon these lessons to create an optimal college experience. We would all like to believe that we are prepared for college based only on our academic courses, but in reality, no one is. Im here accepting this path, because I believe education has virtue and value. Your transition is the first chapter of your college experience. You cant grow into a full-fledged adult without experiencing these developments. Weve been socializing our whole lives to know this; believing you can do something is just half the battle, now comes the second half: experiencing it.

Tellez 105310177 4 Work Cited Rose, Mike. Lives on the Boundary: A Moving Account of the Struggles and Achievements of America's Educationally Underprepared. New York: Penguin, 2005. Print.