WISE sponsors Sundaes on Tuesdays

About 60 undergraduate women attended the annual Sundaes on Tuesdays welcome event sponsored by WISE and the Science Learning Center (SLC).

The event was aimed at incoming female students who are interested in science, math, engineering, computer science and statistics concentrations. A panel of seasoned students from these concentrations served as panelists, answering questions first posed by WISE Director Cinda-Sue Davis, then by the audience.

Panelists included: Lindsay Saunders, biochemistry major, Mary Kreuz, biomedical engineering major, Swati Kumar, microbiology major, Emily Jaskowski, neurosciences major and Subhratha Muthusamy, brain behavior and cognitive sciences major.

One piece of advice that was delivered by all of the panelists is that you can't do it alone. Whether it's joining a Science Learning Center study group or meeting people in class and making your own study group, there is too much information required for these types of concentrations for students to expect to learn it on their own.

Panelists also suggested using peer advisors, visiting office hours, and using specific centers such as the SLC, the Sweetland Writing Center, the Math Lab and the Engineering Learning Resource Center (ELRC).

Daryl Koch, Director of the ELRC urged students to use all resources available to them, "We're not suggesting you use these centers because we don't think you're intelligent enough to do it alone. We're urging you to use these resources because they're here and they're helpful." Some of the resources at the ELRC include practice exams, tutors, and workshops.

"Stick to your study habits," encouraged Emily Jaskowski. "My first semester I had great study habits and I did well. But then I got overconfident and slacked off. It was not good. Try not to do that. Stay consistent with your study habits."

What should you do if you're feeling overwhelmed? "Get away and do something else for 20 minutes," says Lindsay Saunders. "Talk to other people. You'll see that you're not the only one who is stressed."

"Exercise helps," says Mary Kreuz. "After I do something physical, I'm ready to go. Also, sometimes you'll feel down and you don't even know why. Call your friend or your brother or sister. Try to remember what's important is that you do your best and that you learn. Try to keep grades in perspective."

Other suggestions were shopping therapy, watching 30 minutes of TV before a test so you can relax, or meeting a friend for coffee. All panelists agree that you should not nap because it will mess up your sleep pattern and it's not a productive way to deal with stress.

Panelists suggested trying to accomplish something between classes. The Science Learning Center is a great place because they have textbooks.

October 2008 eNews

Archived issues of WISE eNews