How heavy is your load?
Brent's Feltenberger's commentary on student stress.
Brent Feltenberger
Posted in: News on 9/25/08 at 3:13 PM PST
College is both an interesting and stressful time for students. "College is interesting because for many people the campus symbolizes freedom. On the other hand, the demanding course work tends to take its toll on individuals who cannot budget their time according to their workload.", says Port of Los Angeles Fleet Attendant and student mentor Roland Tatum who has a B.A. in Psychology. Every semester at Harbor College, students from all backgrounds relate to Mr. Tatum's words. Some people seem happy and laid back while others have looks of frustration on their faces. Whoever you are, as long as you're a Seahawk, you have some kind of work load, consisting of classes, homework and the number of units taken in one semester.
Many students want to go farther in their education after Harbor, and take as many units as possible in order to get that Associates degree. Theoretically, one can accomplish that task on two years. Vanessa Bautista is a full time English major here at Harbor College. Juggling a full time job and a home life, Bautista hopes to finish up her education and transfer to Cal State Dominguiez Hills: "Right now I'm taking 13 units. It's stressful but I can manage. I know my limits." Still some workaholic students finish before the two years only finding themselves burnt out. According to Administration and Records, the average number of units taken by Harbor College students at this time is 11. In order to stay on most parents' medical insurance, many students must be taking 12 or more units to be considered full time.
The number of units students are taking is expected to grow because of a 10% increase in enrollment for this semester. Now more than ever, many people from many professions are returning to school again to acquire degrees in other fields. This is due to a weak economy and a high unemployment rate. Much of these people have a heavy work load of a full time job, children and school.
Still, others are exploring all types of classes to get a feel of what field interests them. Many students here take only two classes a semester, which amounts to about six units. Some of their class selections may be bowling, accounting or real estate courses. These Seahawks have a much lighter load and don't have a specific major in mind. "Right now, my schedule is perfect for me", explains Max Sandoval: "It's better for me to take a variety of classes I like then to stick to a boring major". Whatever your load is, hopefully you'll try to find a graduation plan that suits your needs.
Many students want to go farther in their education after Harbor, and take as many units as possible in order to get that Associates degree. Theoretically, one can accomplish that task on two years. Vanessa Bautista is a full time English major here at Harbor College. Juggling a full time job and a home life, Bautista hopes to finish up her education and transfer to Cal State Dominguiez Hills: "Right now I'm taking 13 units. It's stressful but I can manage. I know my limits." Still some workaholic students finish before the two years only finding themselves burnt out. According to Administration and Records, the average number of units taken by Harbor College students at this time is 11. In order to stay on most parents' medical insurance, many students must be taking 12 or more units to be considered full time.
The number of units students are taking is expected to grow because of a 10% increase in enrollment for this semester. Now more than ever, many people from many professions are returning to school again to acquire degrees in other fields. This is due to a weak economy and a high unemployment rate. Much of these people have a heavy work load of a full time job, children and school.
Still, others are exploring all types of classes to get a feel of what field interests them. Many students here take only two classes a semester, which amounts to about six units. Some of their class selections may be bowling, accounting or real estate courses. These Seahawks have a much lighter load and don't have a specific major in mind. "Right now, my schedule is perfect for me", explains Max Sandoval: "It's better for me to take a variety of classes I like then to stick to a boring major". Whatever your load is, hopefully you'll try to find a graduation plan that suits your needs.
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