getmygoat

Okay, so school has been in session for a few weeks, and I’d like to impart some advice based on a few observations I’ve made this semester.  My perspective has changed slightly; I’m on the other side of the desk (working as a TA) as well as taking classes this year.

My first insightful tidbit should go without saying: DO THE ASSIGNMENT BEFORE THE DAY IT IS DUE.  Seriously, folks, just because class doesn’t start until 1, that doesn’t mean you can put off the work until 11:30.  Also, it’s a bad idea to bring your paper to the writing lab for proofreading the same day it’s due.  Your session will feel rushed, and you may not have time to make all the necessary edits.

Even if you CAN procrastinate and create effective papers, DON’T LET ON.  Your teachers do not need to know that you don’t care enough about their classes to put actual thought into your work.  Everyone slips up; everyone forgets sometime.  When you do, own up to it.  But when you’re putting things off for frivolous reasons, that’s just disrespectful.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR RESOURCES.  My university has a writing lab where other students will help you write better papers.  All professors have office hours during which you can reach them.  And if you can’t make it to see your prof during his or her hours, e-mail is a perfectly acceptable manner of communicating with your teacher (or TA).  I’m thrilled when students visit me during office hours.  I’m not so thrilled when they come in 45 minutes before class with a single-spaced summary of the reading with no formatting.  Take this back, use your MLA handbook, and bring it to me when you’ve engaged with the text.  Thank you.

Keep in mind this is not a rant of personal experiences.  This is simply a quick sheet for all freshmen (or older students who are out of the school habit) who need some guidelines on how to get through the semester.