I Wish I Knew then What I Know Now

Contributor: Katie Avra, Outreach Coordinator at AE

Often we look back on our college years or even from our sophomore to our freshman year and think “I wish I knew then what I know now.”

The Senior Staff at Academic Enhancement was asked “What is something you know now that you wish you knew in college?”

We hope the knowledge shared will enhance your college journey.

Mike Sosnowski, Placement Testing Coordinator, "Nothing happens until I have a thought. Whatever I do during the day starts in my head.” University of Wisconsin at Green Bay Alumnus

Jim Breslin, Associate Director, “It is ok to ask for help. Go out and meet people because most people want to meet others too! The awkwardness fades.” University of Notre Dame Alumnus

Austin Wilson, Student Program Coordinator, “Not to take it so seriously, have a life too!” University of Kentucky Upperclassman

Blake Dickens, Student Program Coordinator, “It is way too tough to pull up your GPA so establish a good one from the beginning.” University of Kentucky Upperclassman

Megan Beach, Assistant Director, “There is no need to pull all-nighters; it is more effort than needed.” University of Kentucky Alumnus

Bailey Grossl, Instructor and TRP Coordinator, “Trying to balance everything makes you worry academically. Get involved in your residence hall; enjoy getting to know people on your floor.” Georgetown College Alumnus

Stephanie Sipp, Student Program Coordinator, “It’s better to get a B and enjoy college than to never have fun and study all the time to get an A.” University of Kentucky Upperclassman

Will Stone, Writing Workshop Instructor, “Setting up a visual color-coded calendar, maybe have a digital and a hard copy at hand as well.” University of North Texas Alumnus

Jill Page, ACT Prep Instructor, “Reach out to professors, take advantage of contact with them, talk about the subject, visit them during their office hours, even if it is 5 minutes.” University of West Florida Alumnus

Kyle Mullen, Reading Workshop Instructor, “How many great opportunities are out there. Talk to your professors and find out about their interests. Be proactive!” University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Alumnus

Russell Williamson, Accounts Coordinator, “Knowing the difference between process and product: education is a process and knowledge is the end product. Instructor interactions give you an opportunity to learn how they process information and it gives you the learning tools.” University of Kentucky Alumnus

Emilia Witt, Student Program Coordinator, “Being an out-of-state student, it is very important to get involved on campus.” University of Kentucky Upperclassman

Bethany Sharpe, Reading Workshop Instructor, “How to do research.” University of Louisville Alumnus

Amanda Smith, GRE Prep Coordinator, “Do research as an undergrad.” SUNY Geneseo State University Alumnus

Amanda Karls, EPE 174 Instructor, “There are plenty of opportunities to work with faculty and staff if you are willing to take the step to interact with them. Undergraduate research is a great opportunity. Everyone should try it.” University of Wisconsin at Madison Alumnus

Dana Malone, EPE 174 and APP Instructor, “I wish I knew to take reading notes when I read for class. It takes longer on the front end but pays off in the end. I retain more of what I read and then have something to study from later.” Lee University Alumnus

Kristen Hamilton, Student Program Coordinator, “Not to take more than 18 credit hours as a freshman.” University of Kentucky Upperclassman

Beth Neiser, Assessment Coordinator, “Knowing my learning style really helped me in understanding myself and how I learn. Just because my friend can understand all the material after listening to lecture, doesn’t mean I should! I just need to think of the ways in which I can learn the information. Being a kinesthetic learner, I need movement during studying.” University of Kentucky Alumnus

Dr. Karin Ann Lewis, Assistant Provost and Director of Academic Enhancement, “Organizing and planning is key. Time how long it takes you to walk from one location to another so you leave enough time to get place on time. Everything takes longer than anticipated, so build in extra time to complete work. Also, divide up large assignments and do chunks each day.” Cornell University Alumnus

David Pascale-Hague, Study Smarter Seminar Instructor, “Ask for help when you feel out of your depth. Whether it’s a classmate, professor, or service like The Study, get to know what’s available and build connections early so you can ask for help when needed. Learn to see asking for help as a show of strength and not an admission of defeat. Secondly, take a break when needed. Plan self-care into your schedule so you don’t implode (or explode for that matter.)” Asbury College Alumnus

Katie Avra, Outreach Coordinator, “Be your own educational advocate. No one can represent you better. Also, be brave and say hello to someone new each day. You will likely meet friends you will have the rest of your life.” Northern Kentucky University Alumnus

Anna Gatewood, Assistant Director, “Don’t take no for an answer.” Valdosta State University Alumnus

Penny Robinson, Math APP Lecturer, “You don’t have to have it all figured out. Don’t let yourself get boxed in one area, get out there!” Maryville College Alumnus

Eric Snyder, EPE 174 Instructor, “Networking is key. Nothing could be more true than ‘It’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know.’ There are thousands of students and hundreds of faculty on campus. Build informal and formal relationships with the people around you, they can help you in the future. California University of Pennsylvania Alumnus

Ian Banta, Math APP Instructor, “College isn’t about grades it’s about learning. Meeting people isn’t scary; it is fun!” University of Kentucky Alumnus

Eric Weinberg, Technology Coordinator, “Doing something incorrectly can be the first step in doing something great. You can’t be afraid to fail.” University of Wisconsin at Lacrosse Alumnus