With exercise science being a relatively new field compared to biology, chemistry, and physics, it’s drawn in many eager students with a passion for exercise and fitness. These students hope to use those skills to change the health and habits of individuals in the future. It is a great field to get into, as there is a vast career pool available for students with an exercise science degree. However, many students struggle to adjust to life as college students, especially as first-year exercise science majors.
The degree entails a lot of hard work and dedication, and many students quickly discover that the first few weeks and even months of their education process can be extremely time-consuming and overwhelming. However, if you set expectations for yourself and follow these helpful tips and tricks outlined below, you’ll better equip yourself to be successful not only in your first year but throughout your entire education in the exercise science field.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
The first tip to being successful while obtaining your exercise science degree is to ask questions and not be afraid to speak up if you don’t understand something. According to TeachThought, asking questions is vital, as it can help to reveal what students may not understand. It allows that void to be filled, and if one student doesn’t understand a topic, it’s likely others don’t as well but are too afraid to speak up. “Great questions reveal understanding and an overall grasp of significance in ways that answers cannot.” Asking questions also helps to improve information retention, primarily because when you ask a question, you become more personally invested in what the answer is. Asking questions also helps establish a foundation for future information you will be learning and helps to keep not only yourself but other students engaged in the classroom discussion.
Be proactive in your learning
Being proactive throughout your education simply means anticipating future challenges and seeking help when it is needed. As a proactive exercise science major, you may find yourself planning ahead and setting aside time to study. Another key element of being proactive throughout your degree is setting aside time for yourself and not letting yourself get overwhelmed. College can be stressful, and according to The Classroom, it’s important to set aside time daily to release your stress and relax your mind. Some examples of activities you could partake in would involve physical activity, socializing with friends, or simply having a relaxing night in your dorm.
Another important aspect of being proactive in your learning is to ensure you are aware of all of the educational opportunities available to you and taking courses that will best benefit you and your education. For instance, if you are considering a graduate program in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or as a physician’s assistant, you might consider taking an introductory course in the healthcare profession. In a course such as this, you can learn from visiting care providers like dentists, pharmacists, physicians, therapists, and other medical students to gain a better insider perspective into possible career paths all while creating a professional network of your own.
Have a supportive group of friends
Having a supportive group of friends is also important to first-year exercise science majors, especially those who are either in the same program or a similar program as you. Studying can only take you so far but having a group of friends who are willing to help you prepare for future quizzes and exams is extremely helpful throughout your education. Supportive interactions with friends can help to influence not only your overall academic development but also your personal self-esteem and knowledge retention.
Spend some time outdoors
As mentioned previously, part of being proactive in your learning is ensuring that you aren’t burning yourself out throughout the process. Setting aside downtime and getting outdoors is critical to both your physical and mental well-being. For this reason, you may take into consideration finding a college that recognizes the importance of getting outdoors and provides its students an opportunity to do so. For example, Berry College, one of the best schools for exercise science, has the world’s largest campus, with approximately 27,000 acres available for students to relax and unwind. The campus offers outdoor recreational activities such as camping, biking, hiking, and kayaking.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
Finally, you mustn’t be too hard on yourself. The first year of college is difficult for everybody, and staying confident is so important. It’s important to recognize that you came into this degree with little to no prior experience in the field, and most of the information you are learning may be new to you. It’s important to remember that everyone else is in the same position as you, and you wouldn’t have chosen the exercise science field if you didn’t have a passion for it.
The first year of college is difficult for everyone, especially those pursuing an exercise science degree. However, following the helpful tips outlined above can help you to be better equipped for what the future holds and will help you to transition more smoothly into life as an exercise science student.
