Stability and Reference for College Students – Asking For Help – Academics
Where do you go for help? You have an assignment to do research on a given topic for a paper; but the topic is so broad, you are not sure what to choose. You lost the assignment and its due tomorrow. It’s Wednesday, and you’ve got three tests in different subjects next Tuesday! You lost your homework, which you finished last night after three hours of work; and it is due in two hours, but you have another class right now!
College life does not always go smoothly, but then neither will life out in the real world after college. It’s all a learning experience. Even if you have chosen one of the best college majors, sometimes you will have ask for help. But where and who?
First, … Think!
Often, you can work it out yourself. Review the assignment carefully. When did you last remember having the homework? How much studying do you need to do before each of the three tests next Tuesday? Is it possible to “resurrect” the homework with only an hour to do so? In other words, exhaust all possibilities of finding a solution yourself. Find a quiet place where you can think, not a noisy dorm room, a crowded snack bar or a chaotic gymnasium. Try the library, a quiet park bench, an unused lounge area or even an empty classroom. Then, if you still have no answers, ask for help.
Second, … Ask!
So who do you ask? Another student in the same class, a fellow student working on the same project, your academic advisor (There’s a novel idea! Isn’t that why you have one?), a student who took the class last year or last semester and your instructor are all possible sources of information or ideas to help.
So now time is slipping away and you have none left. Ask yourself, “Was this my fault or was I merely a victim of circumstances?” If it was your fault, then you better tell that to someone – your instructor! Hopefully, this is the first time you have had to ask for extra time to complete an assignment. Be honest and tell the instructor about the situation, but be sure to say the words, “I know it was my fault.” Don’t blame it on anyone but yourself, unless you are truly the victim of a circumstance beyond your control.
Third, …Take Action!
If the situation was beyond your control, let the instructor know that also. Almost without exception, unless this or a similar situation has happened before or has happened several times, the instructor will give you an extension with little or no penalty. However, make it clear to the instructor that it was beyond your control and you will do everything possible to assure that this situation does not happen again.
Whatever you do, do not let the assignment due date and time pass without acknowledging it. In this case, inaction may be the worst course of action. When good things happen or work out, give credit where credit is due. When bad things happen or do not work out, take responsibility for your own errors, whether it is your fault or not. Blaming others usually does more harm than good and does little to build your own character and reputation, rather it often destroys both.
Thank you for reading! Your comments and questions are most welcome.
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