Fortune favors the well prepared
By JJ Ossola
IV Leader Staff, Mar 15, 2007
Spring may not be here officially but it feels that way to
many. I know that I am enjoying the weather; I am not what you would call a
winter lover.
I do not get cabin fever per se, but I do miss going outside
in less than two layers. It may seem to many that their classes are going full
steam but we are at a critical juncture for many students. The withdrawal
deadline is fast approaching for most classes.
This is the time to assess whether or not you can succeed
with a decent grade or to cut your losses and try again in the future. Usually
these are classes where we have gotten too far behind, either by not turning in
papers or not following through with homework and assignments.
We all should have taken a test or two, so you can not
realistically say that you have no idea how you are doing in a class. That being
said and the drop date a few weeks away, now is the time to talk to your teacher
during office hours.
You need to take responsibility for your class work,
attendance and tests. With a realistic view of your grades, the teacher’s
opinion and a syllabus that lays out the remaining weeks, the decision (while
still difficult) should be apparent.
If on the borderline or feel that you can still pull out a
decent grade, make a firm commitment to do so. There is no shame in dropping a
class.
There are serious consequences for failing classes though. A
poor grade point average can jam financial aid, make transferring difficult, or
even bar you from taking other classes.
Looking forward to spring weather and the end of the semester
gives a warm feeling and with proper planning you should enjoy it worry-free.