Asking for Help
Today, I will outline the importance of studying among other students and seeking help in a course when you need it. To preface, I have spent the last few months tutoring a family friend in his introductory chemistry classes. I remember how important it was for me to problem solve with other students and ask questions, so I was happy to help out. The experience of translating the content and sharing my knowledge had me reflecting on the importance of study groups and tutoring, especially during this period of online coursework. If you are feeling confused in class, seek help! Be it from your professor, classmates, or a tutor.
First and foremost, please, attend office hours! I can not tell you how often I have walked into my Professor’s office hours and they greet me with, “you are the first student to come today,” or the only student all semester. This is essentially one on one time with an expert in their field. Take advantage of this opportunity by annotating your notes with questions during class, asking about their experiences in their field, and picking their brain for more details on your interests.
Find study groups of students who are also motivated to do well in the course. Combining strengths is crucial to succeeding in a class: where one student excels, another may struggle and they can help one another! Never feel like you do not know enough to show up to a group study session, but always come prepared to contribute in some way, even if you make mistakes. They will help the group learn as well.
If you still find yourself lost and confused in a mountain of content, seek help from a tutor. Approach them with your questions and set goals to catch yourself up in the class. I have tutored a couple of students who turned their grades around by the end of the semester simply by seeking help for the handful of questions they had on a topic that they were trying to grasp.
Sometimes, we just need human soundboards to process our thinking so our thoughts do not remain in our heads. Remember, every subject does not come naturally to everyone! So, if you struggle in a course, it is okay! Seek assistance from someone who loves that topic, maybe even someone who has struggled in the subject as well, as they tend to understand where it is easy to go awry and can sympathize with your disarray. Regardless, there is no shame in seeking help. Often, it is the courses that seem the most challenging that we end up having the most understanding, simply because it required that little bit of extra effort. Then, in the future, you can offer your help to others who were once in your place.
