6 Tips for Surviving Your Not-So-Favorite Class
I am not the biggest fan of one of my classes. I wouldn’t say I hate it, exactly, but it’s my least favorite out of all the ones I’m taking. It’s not a class related to my major, and I chose it thinking that it would be fun, as well as push me out of my comfort zone a bit.
Well, it’s definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Very far out. Across the ocean far. If my comfort zone is represented on a map by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this class has pushed me to Seoul, South Korea. You get it. It’s uncomfortable.
Find the positive instead of obsessing over the negative.
– Denise Glick
The class involves a lot of collaborating with others and listening to others critique my work, which is something I’ve never had to do before.
But I’m too stubborn to drop it. It’s also an important learning experience, because the rest of my classes are great. They’re fun and interactive, and I really enjoy the material we’re learning. But I guess if I had a nice, easy first semester, I would go into the rest of my college career with unrealistic expectations.
As the end of the semester draws near, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks that have helped me get through this class.
1.Find the thing you like about the class.
Whether it’s a certain activity you do (like watching a video or a class discussion), or the content of the class, or just the fact you have a friend in the class, there has to be something good about it. Maybe it’s the fact you only have it twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or maybe, if it’s on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you like that it’s only 65 minutes long. Maybe you get out of the class early. It can be something small, but find the positive instead of obsessing over the negative.
2. Now, focus on that good thing.
Even if it is something small, keeping focused on that one thing can make the class much more bearable. Remind yourself of what’s good throughout class time.
3. Show up.
I know it’s hard. Trust me, I’ve been tempted to stay in bed and skip so many times. But the fact is, showing up makes the class so much easier. Missing one day means you missed everything that happened that day. Duh, I know. But then you’re confused next class, which makes you want to skip more. Chances are, then, that you will skip more, which usually leads to a failing grade. If the class is required for your major, then you have to do it all over again. Just show up.
4. Do the work, participate, and study.
Just because you don’t like the class doesn’t mean you should give the professor an excuse to not like you. A class you don’t enjoy is easily made unbearable if the professor knows you slack off. Besides, you still need a passing grade. If you hate the class now, you should do everything you can to pass and never have to take it again.
5. Try to turn dull assignments into something you’re passionate about.
If there’s some boring project or presentation, look for fun, new angles to approach it. Even standard homework assignments.
Find creative ways to spin it!
6. If your schedule allows, make plans after class!
This way, you’ll have something to look forward to. Bonus points if you make plans with friends in your class. Then you can work on homework, study, or just complain together.
Still not convinced? Dig deep. You can do it.
