Back to school is undoubtedly a stressful time for both students and professors alike. While the first day of class for many FCC students was about a month ago, many still have trouble facing the challenges that the beginning of the school year can bring.
Madison Wilcom, a second-year medical assisting student, feels she is greatly affected by school-related stress. She is a part-time student working ten hours a week, explaining that she found this to be a very manageable schedule for her.
While she may have found a stress-free routine, Wilcom explains that a few individual factors relating to school still make her nervous. “I am most worried about presentations and standing up in front of the class. I really don’t like public speaking, it makes me anxious.”
Wilcom voices her concerns for what is to come this semester, she also offers personal insight on how she overcomes these obstacles. “If I am feeling stressed about school, I tell myself to take a breather. It is also helpful knowing that so many resources are available to help me with my work, such as different learning and tutoring centers.”
Tori Smith, also a medical assisting student here at FCC, has similar worries. “I think I’m most nervous for presentations and exams,” she says. “They make me anxious because I don’t like talking in front of people, and both are such a big part of your grade. If you mess up during a presentation or exam, it could possibly drop your grade.”
The unwavering amount of assignments, exams, and presentations is the root cause of a lot of pressure that students are feeling. Paired with maintaining a healthy balance between school, work, and personal life, it’s no question why students feel overwhelmed.
Professor Anne Hofmann, a member of FCC’s English department, shares an understanding of what her students experience at the beginning of the semester.
As a former student and graduate of Miami University in Ohio, she offers valuable insight to students who may struggle adjusting to a new routine.
“The beginning of the semester is exciting but when you hit the wall, and are feeling overwhelmed, just remember that it will go away, all you have to do is persist.”
Professor Hofmann encourages students to get enough sleep and exercise, and to stay organized. “I have my own calendar and to-do list that I carry with me. I love the feeling of crossing something off when I have completed it.”
There are many on-campus resources that students can refer to if they find themselves struggling in a specific subject.
The STEM Learning center focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics tutoring opportunities. It can be found in Braddock Hall, room B212.
The Tutoring and Writing Center is also a great resource for students to take advantage of. They offer help with writing, arts and humanities, social sciences, ESOL, ASL, and general study skills. This center is located in Linganore Hall, in the Gladhill Learning Commons.
Each of these centers have specific hours, and are great for drop-in tutoring sessions. Find out more on https://www.frederick.edu/handbook.aspx?cid=resources-top-link under “Academic Support”.
