College Life: Debunking High School Myths and Expectations
Maya Pettiford always knew that attending a four-year university was her goal. She worked hard throughout her high school years, diligently following the advice given to her by teachers and advisers to prepare for college. As she reflects on her third year at San Jose State University, Maya realizes that while some of the advice she received was helpful, much of it was actually misguided.
Cellphones in College: Reality vs. Myth
In high school, Maya’s teachers treated cellphones as if they were the ultimate distraction, often confiscating them to prevent students from texting or using them during class. The strict rules around cellphones were meant to prepare students for college, where it was believed that cellphones would not be tolerated.
However, Maya’s experience in college has been quite different. She has found that she uses her cellphone more in college than she ever did in high school. In fact, many professors require students to use their phones for quizzes, group projects, and communication. What was once considered a distraction in high school has become a valuable tool in college.
Professors: Approachable and Understanding
In high school, Maya was warned that college professors would be cold and unyielding, showing little concern for students’ personal circumstances or academic challenges. The expectation was that students would have to navigate college on their own without any support from their professors.
To Maya’s surprise, the reality has been quite the opposite. Most of her professors have been kind, understanding, and willing to accommodate students’ needs. She has built relationships with her professors and feels comfortable reaching out to them for help or extensions when necessary. The myth of unapproachable professors has been debunked in Maya’s college experience.
College Workload: Finding Balance
One of the biggest myths Maya encountered in high school was the idea that college would be significantly harder than high school. She prepared herself for long hours of studying, stressful exams, and a rigid schedule that would leave little time for anything else.
In reality, college has offered Maya a level of freedom and flexibility that she never experienced in high school. With fewer classes and shorter class times, she has been able to create a schedule that works for her and prioritize her time effectively. While there are certainly challenging courses in college, Maya has found that with proper time management, college can be less stressful than high school.
As Maya reflects on her college experience so far, she acknowledges that not all the advice she received in high school was accurate. While some guidance was helpful, much of it was based on misconceptions about college life. Maya’s journey has taught her that college is a time of growth, independence, and self-discovery. By challenging the myths and expectations set by high school, Maya has been able to navigate college with confidence and success.