Student Letter: Kurtis Reilly

Dear Student...

You might be a little uptight or even unsure about embarking on this new journey in life. I know I was.  But with a little perseverance, dedication and hard work you too will make it past those uncertainties. Before you know it, you are going to be on campus attending amazing courses soaking up knowledge.

I know that I'm probably stating the obvious, especially if you are a new student reading this. I found that the INTRAV104: New student seminar has been crucial in my success.  During freshman registration you didn't have to go with the masses of traditional students; although it is perfectly fine if you would like. As I've noticed though most non-traditional students are not here so much for the experience as they are here to take care of business, the business of getting a higher education. The new student seminar for non-traditional students I feel has really honed in on this and has enhanced the experience of adult students here on campus. One more extremely important piece of advice I think that you should take with you thought your college career is to always take notes. Look at the Cornell Method it is highly effective.

All of my professors, instructors and classmates have made my first semester here better than I ever dreamed it would be. It took me a week to figure out that everyone here is here for one of two reasons to learn or to help you learn. The University Wisconsin Whitewater staff has impressed me immensely. There is always a friendly face to answer any questions you may have. All you need to do is speak up or ask.

Although there is always help just around the corner there are some things that you are going to have to figure out on your own. One of those things is how to manage your time. Keeping in mind that most of us adult students have to juggle not only school, but our family life and a job; after all of that you still need time set aside for homework and studying. Your schedule is very important. What might works for someone else might not work for you. It's one of those things that you just have to find out by trial and error. I found that I am able to concentrate and work more efficiently later at night than in the morning. My classes don't start until noon so get to sleep in and then at night when it is quiet because everyone is in bed I'm able to work. It wasn't easy for me to figure out; there was a lot of trial and error. If there was one thing that was really challenged me this semester it was my schedule.  Once you figure out what works for you, your workload becomes lighter.

Sometimes my work load isn't light even with a good schedule.  When I get stressed out with my school and life I turn to one of my favorite books,  The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,  written by Steven R. Covey, I go through the Seven Habits and make sure that I'm applying them, not only to my current situation but to my life.

I hope you're excited about your decision to attend the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.  I look forward to seeing you on campus in the near future.