Important Lessons About School

Long after back-to-school season is over, these learning strategies will come in handy for life outside the classroom

Sit in the front row, raise your hand, and ask questions

“A lot of people are intimidated and don’t want to do it, but for me it was to the only way to get my questions answered and keep going. They called me a goody two-shoes, but who cares?” Don’t limit your knowledge to a classroom.

Never underestimate the importance of taking good, thorough notes

“I prefer organised, efficient, longhand note taking. I’m really grateful to my mom, who was a list-taker. I don’t come from a fancy academic family, but my mom knows how to make a good list, and that really helped me. Don’t be afraid to use too much paper.”

It’s OK to cry when you don’t do well on a test

“Those emotions are there for a reason. You have to grieve your losses, but don’t let them stop you from doing great things.” Plus, crying relieves stress, among many other health benefits.

Know your limits

“I was called a ‘nerd’ in a not very nice way by a girl on campus on my first day. Even in my science program there were people who thought I was too studious or cerebral. But there’s a big picture to look at—education is a choice for a reason.” The way you approach your education is an explanation you don’t owe anyone.

If you study too much, you get mononucleosis

“I had walking mono in my second semester. I didn’t have much of a social life, so that helped.” What’s worse, the stress alone can make you sick.

Even if you decide on a career in science, it’s still important to go to humanities classes

“I actually did a minor in History, and that allowed me to exercise the other side of the brain. It makes for a nice, well-rounded renaissance-style person to try and cover everything.”

Teaching is one of the best ways to learn

“As part of our graduate training, we had to be teaching assistants. I loved it. I loved interacting with undergrads, making up tests and explaining difficult concepts.”

Important Lessons About School

Long after back-to-school season is over, these learning strategies will come in handy for life outside the classroom

Sit in the front row, raise your hand, and ask questions A lot of people are intimidated and dont want to do it, but for me it was to the only way to get my questions answered and keep going. They called me a goody two-shoes, but who cares? Dont limit your knowledge to a classroom. Never underestimate the importance of taking good, thorough notes I prefer organised, efficient, longhand note taking. Im really grateful to my mom, who was a list-taker. I dont come from a fancy academic family, but my mom knows how to make a good list, and that really helped me. Dont be afraid to use too much paper. Its OK to cry when you dont do well on a test Those emotions are there for a reason. You have to grieve your losses, but dont let them stop you from doing great things. Plus, crying relieves stress, among many other health benefits. Know your limits I was called a nerd in a not very nice way by a girl on campus on my first day. Even in my science program there were people who thought I was too studious or cerebral. But theres a big picture to look ateducation is a choice for a reason. The way you approach your education is an explanation you dont owe anyone. If you study too much, you get mononucleosis I had walking mono in my second semester. I didnt have much of a social life, so that helped. Whats worse, the stress alone can make you sick. Even if you decide on a career in science, its still important to go to humanities classes I actually did a minor in History, and that allowed me to exercise the other side of the brain. It makes for a nice, well-rounded renaissance-style person to try and cover everything. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn As part of our graduate training, we had to be teaching assistants. I loved it. I loved interacting with undergrads, making up tests and explaining difficult concepts.