August 2009 - Preparing for second year

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As second year approaches, students are more confident with what to expect academically and in having an established support network of friends, faculty and staff. There are still many opportunities throughout the next few years for students to gain independence, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and establish their individual identity.

It is important to remember that the academic year is cyclical and students will be experiencing many of the same major events they experienced before, including exams, financial strain and course selection. Although better prepared, they will continue to feel pressure. Hopefully the past year has taught students ways to be engaged in the academic and personal growth opportunities offered at Durham College. This is their future, enjoy watching them flourish.

Students may be...
  • Looking forward to reconnecting with college friends
  • Reminiscing about their experiences in first year
  • Having mixed feelings about leaving home again
Family members can offer support by...
  • Talking about the first year and celebrating successes
  • Remembering that the student experience is cyclical so many of the experiences from first year will occur again