Now that I’m almost done with my first year as a college student, I’ve noticed something about the student environment. To put it lightly, everyone is extremely entitled and expects to get great results, while only putting in minimal effort.

Every high school student has heard the phrase, “This won’t fly in college” about 3,000 times. And while each college is different, there is truth to that statement. If you’re used to just coasting by and expecting some kind of special treatment in college, it’s going to be a huge culture shock when things don’t work out.

I always find it ironic when you log onto RateMyProfessor.com and see a student complaining about a professor and how “horrible” they are, and when you look at their grade, they failed the class.

Last semester I had a math class that I was really nervous about because I’ve always been horrible at math. At first, the class seemed like it was going to be hard for me. It was fast paced, and we talked about things I was way behind on.

But I wasn’t going to let that affect my grades. I studied really hard on the tests, and went to the offered supplemental instructions to get extra points, and I even spoke up during class to ask questions and kindly ask my professor to slow down or go over something again. I even stayed after to talk to her and we talked about my history with math and she gave me some tips. I ended up passing the class and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

However, other classmates didn’t fare so well. They did not do well in the class and complained about the teacher both behind her back, and right to her face. In all honesty, there are bound to be some classes and professors that you don’t like and that are hard. With all that being said, you have to ask yourself if you’re really doing everything you can to try to do well in that class.

These classmates who didn’t do well in the class were not doing their homework, raising their hand in class, or going to the supplemental instruction that would raise their grade by 10%. Still, they chose to blame the professor.

In college, you have to do most things for yourself. College is supposed to prepare you for your future and teach you lessons in both an academic and social sense. Being able to take accountability and making sure that you’re doing as much as you can on your end is an important life skill and if you can’t do it now, you might be screwed.

If you don’t like your grade, do something about it. There are so many options at William Paterson to help you get your grade up. As I mentioned, most math classes will offer extra credit for going to Supplemental Instruction, and I know in my class, if you went once a week every week, you get an extra 10% on your final grade.

You can also take advantage of the writing center, academic success center, or even the library to help you do well in school. Stop blaming your professors and actually take accountability for your actions.