All the Tools Out There

Very rarely do you see a tool in an engineer’s hand.  Usually, an engineer instructs a man educated in handling tools what to do.  So when an engineer is in a sticky situation and needs to handle tools and take direction, is it a natural thing to try to reject it?  As you might have heard and will hear, when you are in trouble with school you need to seek help from your advisor or professor.  As easy as this is said, it very often isn’t as easy to do.  When you have decided that you grades are not what you imagined, here are some things to ask yourself to help seek the right tools:

1. Where are you at in the semester? Often, first year students panic after their first exam in college, usually because they don’t received the grade they were expecting.  DON’T PANIC!  Sometimes just passing the class is all that is required, even D’s and C’s get degrees.  There is still plenty of time to turn that grade around.  Also, high school exams are different from college exams.  College exams take some time to get used to and take some time to know what to look for when studying.  After the second exam, if your grade won’t make the requirement that is needed to pass seek help immediately.
2. What is your professor like? Sometimes this makes all the difference.  Professors are there to assist and help their students.  However, how one person explains it isn’t always good enough for everyone.

More than often we find it difficult to go for someone for help.  Everyone has this mentality that you will do better on the next test.  Usually though if you don’t get the first chapters you won’t understand the next.  It is one thing to make silly mistakes, like forgetting a sign or adding instead of subtracting; it’s another thing to not understand the concepts.  Here are some tools to help with school:

1. Study Groups: Studying in a group is always a great idea. It’s better to struggle together than to struggle alone.  This is a great way to make new friends and a great way to get a better understanding of the material from a student’s point of view.  However be aware that sometimes when studying with a larger group of ten or more people, one can become lost in the crowd and encounter information overload.
2. Tutors: Tutors are a great way to understand material from a one-on-one perspective.  Also, most tutors are informed about up-coming tests and can help explain and show how to solve a problem.  They can explain how they got from point A to B.  Tutors are up to date on the syllabuses on specific coarse and are always happy to help.  Be aware tutors often have specific times when they will be at their station.  Check for the best time that is best for you!  If you can’t make it at those designated times get a friend to go.  
3. Advisors: Advisors are there to advise you through school.  They are trained and are up to date about courses and what you need to graduate as an engineer.  When you are stuck with whether to drop a class or you miss home and are homesick, advisors are there to assist.  Be aware, advisors teach classes and have their own work to complete.  Be patient.  Also, you can seek help from other "advisors," not just academic advisors.

Renae Kakabar is a sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering, and is a Rover for WEPO'15!