The Day I Found Out I Wasn’t a Learner

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Throughout primary and secondary school, I was a high-achieving student. I always scored well on local and state tests and made good grades; school was easy for me. Without much effort,  I graduated in the top 10 percent of my high school class with a 3.89 GPA. I was excited to enter college and continue my stellar academic performance. After one semester at Lamar, I left for Christmas break with 2 F’s and 2D’s; I was devastated. After the emotional rollercoaster of realization and calibration, I reminded myself that  I was smart and capable of the same success I’d experienced in high school. The first thing I did when I returned to campus in January was schedule an appointment with a math tutor. The first few questions she asked me were, “What are your study habits? What note-taking method do you use? How often do you share notes or collaborate with your peers?” I was floored! Study?! Notes?! Collaboration?! What?! I had never had to study and was a straight “A” student. She quickly reminded me that I was a straight “A” student and could be again if I took ownership of my education and learned new skills to help in excel at the collegiate level. She went on the explain that this is common for first-year freshmen, some students breeze through high school with little effort and perform well, but college is different. You actually have to learn what is being taught, not just memorize. This conversation changed my mindset and my approach to my education.