Education

The Hidden Benefits of Attending Class

January 27, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

When it comes to college, there are times when going to class seems like an option. Attendance may not be required, lecture slides and videos may be posted to Canvas, both eliminating the need to attend in person. However, being present in your courses provides you with both immediate and future benefits.

Short-Term Benefits

Obtaining important information. Sometimes, while the slides may be in Canvas, all the information you'll need may not be in the slide deck. You can lose important details by missing a lecture.

Connecting with professors. While the benefits of this are not a given, building a relationship with your professors by going to office hours or participating in lectures shows dedication. This can make it easier to get help and potentially gain leniency on grades. Professors can also inform you about internships or Teaching Assistant positions, which are great for resume-building.

Forming study groups. Study groups are a great way to maximize your learning potential, especially in difficult classes. They provide opportunities to discuss content with peers and serve as a helpful study tool for exams. However, be sure to follow class policies and adhere to the Aggie Honor Code

Preparations for exams and finals. Some professors treat the class (or two) before an exam as a review period, going over any questions or reviewing must-know content. While some may notify you of this review, others may not, making regular attendance beneficial; a missed class is a missed opportunity.

Understanding the material. Attending class helps expand on assigned readings and emphasizes important topics. Often, the lecture and assigned readings go hand-in-hand, making it beneficial to hear the professor’s connections.

Long-Term Benefits

Creating positive habits. The routine of attending class will help you reinforce good habits that will serve you well in your future career. Punctuality, time management, and consistency are just a few habits you gain from attending class regularly.

Enhancing soft skills. Employers value soft skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are in the top 10 of LinkedIn’s list of “Most In-Demand Skills.” You are actively practicing and learning these skills by attending and participating in class.

Networking and building connections. Classes within your major or field of study provide opportunities to network with classmates, guest speakers, and professors. These can lead to potential job opportunities or, at the very least, spark interest in specific career paths. Having these professional connections is a big help in finding future employment. The saying “it’s who you know,” isn’t unfounded.

Now that you know the benefits of committing to making it to class, it’s essential to recognize what's best for you and set yourself up for success. Whether you function best in the mornings or afternoons, use your personal experience to set your schedule and make the most of your productive hours. It’s all about balance and finding what works best for you. So, before skipping class, think about the opportunities and growth that await you by showing up. Your dedication will pay off in the long run!

Back to Campus: Thriving After the Break!

January 22, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

Returning to school after any extended break can be a challenge. After weeks away, jumping straight back into education mode might feel overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect your first few weeks back and some strategies to help you navigate potential challenges.

What to Expect:

Stronger course load. You may have taken on fewer hours in the fall to start the year off at a manageable pace. If this is the case for you, and your upcoming term’s schedule is heavier than before, the increased course load may seem daunting; that’s normal!
More independence. Whether this is your first or second semester at Texas A&M, you will start to experience more independence. This could be that you need less guidance from advisors, or maybe your previous study groups have separated into their own majors. Remember that as your independence grows, it doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Pair your newfound capabilities with the tools and resources available to you to make yourself unstoppable this semester and beyond.
Post-holiday blues. Winter break is a great time to decompress after a hectic semester and finals, but being away for a month makes it difficult to get back into the swing of the semester. It can be hard to leave the comfort and familiarity of your home and readjust to being a student again.

Winning Approaches:

Time management and organization. The best way to handle the overwhelming load of the semester is to manage your time and stay organized. There are many great tools for keeping track of your assignments and to-do items such as the Navigate app or a calendar app!
Take things slow and set goals. If your calendar looks overwhelming, tackle it one task at a time. Create small, achievable goals, and remember that not everything has to be done at once. Pairing this approach with organization will make it easier to manage the new semester.
Don’t forget to connect with your professors. Even if you are comfortable with the material, getting to know your professor is essential. You never know when having that connection will come in handy. Connect after class or drop by their office hours.

Not all of these points may apply to you, but the most important thing to remember is to take time for yourself. It’s normal to feel out of place after winter break and to crave security. Allow yourself time to readjust to your surroundings and get back into the groove of college life.

MSC Open House: What to Know Before You Go

August 20, 2024 by mariahp

MSC Open House is right around the corner and is open to all Texas A&M students! Getting involved outside of the classroom is an important part of the college experience. MSC Open House brings together over 400 recognized student organizations in one place for you to explore, but this can feel overwhelming if you are looking for the perfect fit. Below we have some tips on how to make the most of your MSC Open House experience!

Have a plan:

Get an idea of what type of organizations you want to join before you head to MSC Open House. A lot of students aim to join one academic related organization and one hobby related organization for a good balance. Review the list of 457 approved student organizations participating in MSC Open House to make a short list of options.

Have fun with the plan:

Make the experience fun and grab a group of friends, roommates, or even your Fish Camp discussion group to go with! You can also explore on your own if you’re more of a solo flyer. Tailor your MSC Open House experience to what works best for you.

Execute the plan:

Arrive early and stay charged! Make sure your phone has full battery life to scan QR codes and take notes. Be prepared with questions you want to ask organizations such as:

How often does the organization meet?
What is the time commitment?
Are there specific requirements for joining?
What is the organizations impact on the campus or community?

Stay hydrated:

As you have probably heard many times, August in Aggieland is hot and humid. While many of the booths at MSC Open House will be inside, there will be others that are stationed outside. Make sure to hydrate before, during and after the event!