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To help students make the most of their ���ϲ����� experience, New England Career Coordinator Emily (Barry ’11) Sullivan has launched a “Get with the Program” series of on-campus workshops. “These workshops are designed to help students level up their academic abilities and enjoy college more,” said Mrs. Sullivan. “We are trying to think of freshman orientation as more of an ‘ongoing formation,’ providing the students with some practical tools and skills to help with the transition into college-level work and adult responsibilities, such as managing your time. And these sessions aren’t just for freshmen! Everyone can benefit from coming.”

The first workshop, held last Wednesday, was entitled ‘’Prepping Your Props and Readings Like a Pro,’’ given by father–son (and psychologist–tutor) duo Dr. Richard Cross and Dr. Peter Cross. Together, the two laid out concrete steps and strategies that students can use to maximize their time and prepare well for class:

• Rule 1: Read actively, not passively — you are participating in the great conversation, so do not let the words just roll past your eyes.
• Rule 2: Annotate — the whole reason every student gets a fresh set of books each year instead borrowed copies is because we want you to be underlining, writing questions in the margins, and hunting for thesis statements and key parts of the argument.
• Rule 3: Finish the reading — make sure you are managing your time well so that you can complete the assignment before class. Many times, an author pulls everything together in the conclusion, so if you do not finish, you are missing out big time.
• Rule 4: Pray! This is your vocation, and the Holy Spirit will help you if you seek his guidance. Ask Him to illumine your intellect and make your study time fruitful. God has called you here and will not be found wanting — His grace is there as a constant support in your studies.

A graduate of the College, the younger Dr. Cross tackled the practical side of the discussion, while his father explained the neuropsychology behind why such strategies work. “It was so interesting to hear about the psychology of how to learn efficiently,” said Terese Wilder (’28).

Students left the workshop fortified for the fall’s classes. “Dr. Cross suggested ‘read, write, walk,’” said Luisa Germaque (’28). “I’m very excited to try it and see if it helps me.” Added Chuck Aldredge (’28), “They gave me hope that all this knowledge we’re seeking after is within my grasp!”