Texan Mosaic

Editor’s Note: This story is a combined effort by news writing classes on the Levelland campus and news writing students on the Lubbock Downtown Center campus. Students in COMM 2311-001 (Levelland) interviewed and arranged an article based on quotes from faculty members at SPC. Students in COMM 2311-601 (Lubbock) interviewed and arranged an article based on quotes from returning SPC students.

Students in COMM 2311-001 include: Charlotte Baldi, Brittlee Brock, Audrey Villarreal, Zacharias Molina, Audrey Tyson, Daisy Aguirre, Denver Atkins, Chloe Jones and Tye Ward.

Students in COMM 2311-601, instructed by Margaret Kirby, assistant professor of media and communications, include: Matt Brown, Cheyann Carr, Meredith Cloud, Kamryn Collins, Raston Copeland, Morgan Rustemeyer and Abriel Mata.

Photos were taken by students in COMM 1316 (News Photography), COMM 1318 (Photography) and COMM 2311-602 (News Writing). Captions and student credits are listed below each photo.

The first week of college can be one of the most stressful times of the year for young adults, college faculty and parents.

SPC students returned to classes last week at all campuses. While the start of the semester can bring feelings of anxiety and stress, there are things students can do to ease themselves into the change of pace.

One thing students can do is become acquainted with their professors, classes, and their new environment.

“I think it’s really important to engage, go introduce yourself to your instructor,” said Alma Lopez, professor of mathematics at SPC in Levelland.

Students should also pay attention to what instructors expect of them as the semester begins.

“Don’t think that the first week is just grab your syllabus and go,” said Janine Fox, assistant professor of communication studies in Levelland. “A lot of the really important information for the rest of your semester comes in that first week.”

Along with a new place and new routine, there are opportunities for students to build new relationships and networks for the present and future.

“Get out of your comfort zone and meet people,” said Dave Cleavinger, professor of agriculture at SPC in Levelland. “Smile, talk to people, do things you wouldn’t normally.”

One way to ensure students are prepared for fall classes is to simply know where their classes are located and on which campus.

“What I recommend on the first day of school is to get your schedule out, and if you can, walk around beforehand to see where things are,” said Rebecca Greene, instructor for business and professional communication. “But if not, don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

There are many resources available to new and returning students. Faculty and staff agree that students should not be afraid to reach out for help.

“The biggest advice I can give to our students here at South Plains College is to first of all show up to class, but second of all is to use the resources that are readily available for you,” said Kami Durham, an advisor at SPC. “There are so many faculty and staff who are willing to help students here at South Plains College that all you have to do is ask.”

Faculty members aren’t the only ones with great advice to offer. Returning SPC students can also offer some words of wisdom on how to have a successful semester.

SPC student Delois Green-Davis describes her first week of school as “difficult.” This fall will be her second semester. 

“The first day is easy,” she says, “you don’t do very much.  But the reading portion is harder for me. I enjoy math.”

Chances are Green-Davis is not the only student who would use a word like “difficult” to describe the first few days of school. Incoming freshmen are looking for parking spaces, the right buildings, and the right classrooms.

Third-semester student Lexi Moore advises incoming freshmen to go to class and get to know their professors.

“It was a lot easier for me to ask them questions when I knew them,” she says. “I feel like I got a better understanding of assignments when I would ask them in person.”

Another third-semester student, Marcus Toledo, suggests incoming freshmen try to learn time management so they don’t get overwhelmed with work. 

“Also, just think about your own life as well as school,” Toledo adds, “because you don’t want to stress yourself out.”

Former SPC student Huston Briseno graduated last semester with his associate degree. He said one way for incoming freshmen to succeed is to have a “homework routine” to ensure they don’t fall behind.

“Most of my assignments were due on Sunday nights at 11:59 p.m.,” he says, “so I had the whole week to do most of my homework. I designated each day of the week to a single class.”

Briseno had another piece of advice—go to class.

The fall semester ends on December 12 with the fall commencement ceremony. Students who are eligible to graduate in December will receive an email from the registrar’s office informing them of their eligibility to graduate, along with instructions to complete and verify their information on the graduation application.

New students who need resources or who have questions regarding their schedule or classes can go online to southplainscollege.edu.