The real world is becoming more of a reality for three of The University of Detroit Mercy’s seniors.
Graduation is not too far for Khalia J. Douglas, a criminal justice major.
When she was a freshman, she worked in retail and attended school full-time. With several tasks and responsibilities on her hands it became difficult to maintain both.
She advises underclassmen to “get your time management in order, so that you can succeed and still have fun.”
There are plenty of jobs here on campus, both work-study and non-work study. Working on campus allowed Douglas to both work and study; she also works without the amount of pressure and time that consists within an off-campus job.
Entering college, Douglas wished she would have known more about study habits and how they vary for different classes.
“Some of my classes I may use flash cards…some of the classes I may just have to read,” she said.
It is best to get a feel for your professor’s style, and understand how to study effectively, she said.
“Feel for professors… it helps in the long run … feel more comfortable going into their office and asking a question… being in class and raising your hand not being that student in the back of the class thinking I’m going to get this wrong because I’m not going to ask for help,” she said.
Blair White hopes to be physiatrist in the forensic field, though she’s unsure of what will happen outside the campus gates.
“It kind of feels good but it’s scary because I don’t know what I’m doing,” said White.
Initially, White entered UDM to study Bio-Chem. However, after months in she realized that wasn’t the career for her. From pulling all-nighters to losing her smile, Blair was not the “happy person” she was known as.
“Freshman year can be a little complicated,” she said. “Go to school for something that actually gives you a drive, not just because someone wants you to major in it.”
White advises freshman to stay focused, stay motivated and find a potential study group. On campus there are tons of resources available. On the third floor of the library there is a whole team of tutors, mentors and quiet study space waiting for you.
“Reach out to people, different organizations, be involved,” said White. As a freshman she joined the Student Programming Board and has worked as the vice president for two years now. Being a part of SPB allows White to get a study break while planning events on campus and also within the community.
But she is aware of the scarce amount of jobs within the Psychology field therefore, she is always networking and looking for professors to write letters of recommendations for grad school.
