<p>Hey everyone,
Sorry for the depression tone of this post but I need some help. I'm a Freshman in my first semester here at Fordham. I'm in the 3-2 with Columbia so I'm taking a lot of Physics, Calc, Comp science classes. Thing is, I'm not doing all the great. Usually I'm a 90 + student, and I'm doing terrible. In Physics I spent hours and hours and hours studying for the test, meeting with peer tutors and my professor. I scored below average. In Calc and Comp science I'm doing alright, and my best class by far is Composition II. Comp is cool, but writing won't get me to my dream job as an Engineer or Architect. I'm a guy who loves building things with my hands and I'm very artistic. If anyone has any recommendations on how I can stop being so miserable here, please do respond. It's not just Physics, I'm not having a good time all round. I wanted to transfer to RISD but with the grades I'm getting now, I don't think I'd have a shot.
Thanks guys.</p>
<p>Physics can be a bit of a bear to study for. It’s not like biology, where brute force matters most: in physics, you have to study the right way for it to be any good at all. And it’s all pretty abstract, which is the opposite of what you sound like you enjoy. I assume you have Fessatidis–he’s a superb teacher, the best in the department. He’ll help you determine what to do differently.</p>
<p>Depression is no good. Talk with your RA/RD if you’re a resident or your folks if you’re a commuter. (Or a Jesuit. They’re all pretty cool guys.) Talk to Mr. Cathcart in visual arts if you’re interested in architecture, or to the visual arts director (not sure who this is) about the major–it sounds like you might prefer it to engineering. E-mail the RISD people if you’re serious about transferring. Or PM me to talk about things in general.</p>
<p>3-2 is a grossly difficult program. Enginneering is horribly difficult everywhere. </p>
<p>Take a breath. Balance your life. Get the big picture. Talk to professors in office hours. Get some tutoring if necessary. </p>
<p>Don’t get depressed. Stay upbeat. Eat right. Sleep right. Balance. </p>
<p>Do something fun once a week away from school. </p>
<p>Campus ministry is also a wonderful resource. USE THEM. Free counseling and perspective. They are fabulous. Dont have to be Catholic. Its about the whole person. </p>
<p>Keep your chin up. Keep trying. </p>
<p>If after first semester its not working, then go to your advisor and consider changing majors. Fordham is a great school. But it is tough. Workload is heavy. </p>
<p>People care. Remember that. </p>
<p>And finally, your worth as a person is NOT your grades. Its your persona. Your thoughts. Your spirit. Your gifts from Almighty God. NOT your grades.</p>
<p>Hi mr bonds-</p>
<p>My son who was also an A student had hard time transitioning and making friends. That exists at all schools. The first month or so was tough socially- he is kind of shy-(who isn’t ?) but he is happier now- I think in part because of the friends made through clubs in his field (business). Clubs can help ease the balance and help you to make friends outside of your class and dorm.</p>
<p>My son considered the 3-2 program but ended up choosing Gabelli and is happy so far. He does find the courses harder than he expected- even though he came from a challenging high school in which he did very well. He is spending all free time apart from club and gym time- studying. But the clubs have helped alot. And Fordham is a great place- with lots of connections and opportunities and the hard work will pay off. all the best to you-</p>