September 02, 2008

Welcome Back

 

 

Life at David Lam ? scsi.

An, the “Sister Campus” of Douglas College, otherwise known as the Coquitlam Campus, or “David Lam.” Though recent expenditures have certainly improved the
aesthetics of the building, and though the fancy new additional building has made it far larger, any time I’m at the Campus, I cannot help but wonder: why does it feel like
I’m in the middle of nowhere?

Perhaps it’s because I’m comparing it to the New Westminster Campus, its “Older Brother/Sister” or whatever, which is situated in the heart of New West. Once you
leave the confines of the Campus, you’re greeted by a plethora of restaurants, shops, and the SkyTrain station.

David Lam, on the other hand, is a solid 15 or so minute walk from civilization (otherwise known as the Coquitlam Centre mall), the bus loop, and any decent
restaurants. This becomes painfully evident when you’re rushing to get to your next class, hungry, and instead of having the luxury of purchasing some cheap sushi or
Subway as you do at NW, you’re forced to purchase an awfully overpriced pre-made sandwich at the cafeteria (which we all know don’t exactly taste superb).

Unlike at the NW Campus, where if you’re running late for class you’ve got a short walk up a hill before you’re clear, at DL you either impatiently wait for the 97
B-line or some equally pointless bus, or you run. You run with your text books, which seem far heavier mid-sprint, for what seems like forever...until you reach your class,
out of breath, and smelling rather foul.

Okay, okay, maybe I’m only so angry with DL because of my laziness. Regardless, I despise that dreadful 15 minute walk from the bus loop to the campus in the
snow, or rain, or intense heat, or...okay, you get the point.

 

High school to higher education ,, iii

 

fe a student who entered Douglas College directly from high school, I understand the uneasiness that accompanies the fresh-outta-high-school first year students.
I recall a number of questions and concerns I had about the transition, many of which were as trivial as “I wonder if the cafeteria is like high school, where if you’ re
seen alone, you’re a social leper!” (for the record, it’s not like that). However, there were a few particular concerns that made me most nervous. In an effort to perhaps
minimize some of that first year uncertainty, Ill discuss what I found to be the best transition “advice.” :

Professors:

A common myth is that college instructors couldn’t care less if a student attends their lectures. That, unlike high school where attendance is crucial, college life entails
ultimate freedom. However, I’ve found that many college instructors embed in their course outlines “Participation Grades,” which often include mandatory attendance.
How can you participate if you aren’t in class? Some place more emphasis on this than others, but regardless, class attendance is generally a good idea.

Course readings and exam preparation:

Often, high school students enter into college anticipating a grueling workload, with 5690 pages of reading a night. This is not entirely true. My first day of classes,

I kept up with my course readings for fear of being quizzed on the material the next class. I soon realized that when instructors assign nightly reading, they generally
understand that the reading seldom is done. I’ve yet to meet anyone who actually keeps up with their readings while maintaining a social life or job. Instead, most
students schedule time to complete their readings a week or so before their exams. Whatever method you ultimately decide on, do what works best for you, and don’t let
your peers’ study habits intimidate you (though do try to pick up a trick or two).

College vs. university:
Some high school students who attend Douglas instead of SFU or UBC may feel as though they’re attending an “easier” institution, or that they’re “less smart.” I
certainly felt this way my first semester, as many of my friends were off at various universities. Do not think this. In fact, many of the courses that Douglas offers are
nearly identical to those at SFU. The big difference rests in the fact that you’re in a class of roughly 30 students, whereas your university friends are stuck in lecture halls
with a few hundred. Oh, and we pay less money. Be proud of your decision.

I can assure you that if you’re feeling anxious about starting life as a college student, you’re not the only one. The best thing you can do is talk to other students,
make friends, get involved with campus activities, and of course “try your best” in your classes. Good luck!