College of Glory

Post date: Dec 8, 2015 11:10:22 PM

By Macey Howell

Many of us, especially the upperclassmen who carry the weight of college, the thesis, and Central’s workload on their shoulders, are too busy trying to get through high school to think of what college will actually be like. I spoke with two CMS alumni, Tatum England and Spencer Beckman, to see if they had any useful insight about their college experiences so far. Currently, Tatum is enrolled at MTSU, and Spencer is attending classes at Rhodes.

So, how’s the college life going?

Tatum: It is going great! I love college and everything about it. There is so much freedom involved in college, and plenty of time (if you plan wisely) to get your assignments done.

Spencer: So far college has been lots of fun, and I haven’t met too many people that would say otherwise. The work is definitely tougher and requires a lot more time, but I’ve yet to gain fifteen pounds, so Freshman year is treating me well!

Do you miss Central?

Tatum: I miss the people of Central Magnet so much (teachers and students included).

Spencer: Does a fat kid like cake?

Do you think Central prepared you?

Tatum: Yes!!!!!!!! College is very hard. I will not sugarcoat it, but my study habits and work ethics are above par to anyone I have met so far. At the same time, I really pushed myself academically at Central, so if you are not doing that and expect college to be a piece of cake…. good luck with yourself.

Spencer: Yes, while the work and style of classes (at Rhodes at least) are pretty different, Central helped me establish a work ethic that makes the adaptation to college a lot easier. That being said I think if you don’t take classes that challenge you at Central, you will not be nearly as prepared.

What’s the most important thing you learned in high school that has helped you survive so far?

Tatum: I would say high school taught me that I am not going to know everything about every little thing, and if I am struggling with a topic I don’t have to be afraid to ask for help (from peers and teachers alike). Also, Central taught me that teachers are there for your benefit. I know at MTSU I push myself to go the extra mile in anything, and teachers see that and tell me that anything they can do for me they would be happy to do (yes even my teacher that has 200 people in each of his classes told me this).

Spencer: I’d say that teachers are there to help you! You just have to go out of your way and put that extra little bit of effort in, and they will gladly help you.

What shocked you the most when you started college?

Tatum: There are many things that shocked me. First, I was shocked at the crazy amount of free time I had. I have a minimum of a 3 hour break between classes every day. I learned how to harness this free time to my advantage by studying and knocking out homework, so I have more time to get an adequate amount of sleep each night (I sleep more in college than I ever did in high school NO MORE SLEEP DEPRIVATION). Second, I was shocked at how little homework we had and how in some classes test accounted for 100% of your grade (so hello studying). Third, I (along with other Central graduates I know here at MTSU) was shocked by my study habits. Because of Central, it became easy for me to be able to sit down every night the week of a HUGE test and just hardcore (need a better word) study. Finally, I was shocked at how easy it was to get involved even though MTSU is a MASSIVE school. I am secretary of Freshman Council and am getting to know/represent many freshman in that way, but also all of my teachers know me personally and give me advice about my future/what routes I should take in college.

Spencer: The percentage of your grade that tests count for. You think that Midterms are bad in high school, just wait until two tests are 70% of your total grade!

What are some differences between Central and college? (classes, motivation to work, extracurricular, etc.)

Tatum: If you have no motivation to get things done in the classroom then college teachers (or at least at big schools) couldn’t care less, because you are jeopardizing your own future. However, if you pay attention in class and study hard, college teachers will do just about anything for you, which will come in handy as you apply for internships or certain schools (aka nursing school) in the future

Spencer: You think Central has a lot of clubs?! Just wait until you get to college; there is something for everyone and every interest. Classes require a lot more reading (but you’re reading the newspaper, so you’re probably fine), and motivation really just depends on the person you are and the goals you set out to accomplish.

What do you wish you had known before graduating?

Tatum: How much I would regret stressing out about every little thing/assignment. I wish I took more time to enjoy all the great activities that I will never get to experience again, and I wish I enjoyed the time spent with my friends everyday (even though it was stressful).

Spencer: How much I was going to miss my Central friends.

What helped you the most when deciding on a college?

Tatum: For me it came down to the scholarships I was offered and the strength of my program of interest. For example, MTSU’s nursing school is ranked the highest in Tennessee Nursing Schools, and number 15th in the Eastern United States for Nursing.

Spencer: If it was a place that was not only going to have teachers and people that cared for me, but also offered opportunities to prepare for and reach my future career goals.

What is the stress level of Central vs. college?

Tatum: College is more stressful during certain weeks (all of my test for some reason occur on the same week). However, it is not as stressful overall especially if you pace yourself wisely with your assignments. Also in college, you are not in the same building for 8 hours a day, and can do your homework outside or at Starbucks instead of in study-hall.

Spencer: I’d say grades seem to be a bigger stressor in college, just because they are harder to maintain, but college also has a lot more free-time of which to take advantage.

If you live in a dorm, what is it like?

Tatum: I don’t!

Spencer: So far for me it’s been really fun! Rooming with my lifelong best friend, so that has been both easy and a blast.

Any weird/funny stories?

Tatum: College is already very full of memories :)

Spencer: Hahaha, yes… :-)

I decided to end the interview there so as not to incriminate Spencer (just joking). Overall, it seems that although stress is one of the most commonly experienced emotions for a magnet student, the work pays off in preparing for the future.