Fall 2015 is officially done today! If you don’t have any final exam to take next week, you’re probably already at home relaxing! But please don’t forget to register your classes for spring. Spring 2016 is my last semester here so I’m graduating in May. Here’s some idea I want to share with you about registering classes.

First, you need to know what classes you have to take. How to check your classes: Login into Genesis – Banner Self-Service – Student Services – Registration Menu – DegreeWorks-Run a Degree Audit. You’ll see all the classes you’ve taken, future classes you have to take, and what classes you might want to take. Then, you can look up for your classes, and add or drop your classes online also under Registration Menu. When you came to GCC, you took a test first about your English, reading, writing, and math skills. If you’re under the college level, you have to take classes to be ready for college. For example, you need to finish ENG or ESL 092 to get ready for ENG or ESL 100. Then, you’re going to take your ENG 101. Next, you’ll go to take ENG 102 or 105. All the classes you have to take are shown under your Degree Works. Just remember to check the requirement first.

Second, you need to find out what classes you want to take as an elective class most likely. There’re a lot of classes which are interesting and exciting here. I can share some experience with you about what classes I’ve taken.

• FYE 100 – First Year Experience or Foundations Academic Success. This course is one of classes I took when I just came here. It was really interesting and helpful! When I still knew nothing about American universities and GCC, this class taught me everything. My professor was Dr. Tom, who is a really nice person. After this class, I got my plans for my next 3 semesters, which was a motivation for me to graduate in 4 semesters. There’re 3 sections for FYE in Spring 2016 and they’re still open. Check this out!
• ART 123 – Ceramics 1. This is a very good choice if you need to take an art class. Ceramic is such a fun to play with, and this course is a very relaxing class! I took this class with Ms. Dugan in my second semester, and she was such a sweet professor! She still has 4 open sections in Spring 2016. Start it now!
• CPS 101 – Introduction to Creative Problem Solving. This is a course I take this semester and it’s just done. This is really helpful for you to build your creativity. I used to think I’m not a creative person, but I believed I am a creative person after this class. You just need to find a way to be! There’re 2 sections at college and 2 online classes in spring.
• CEP 101 – Career and Educational Planning. This is a class I’m taking in spring. I’m still taking this course with Dr. Tom, and I’m pretty sure this will be also a really amazing class! Our class section is already full, but there’re still 4 sections at college and 3 online sections open for you in spring. If you’re graduating in Spring 2016 just like me, you probably want to check this out.
• COM 120 – New Communication Technologies. Are you interested in social media networks? Do you really know how to use them? Or do you need to use them in your future career? This is a new class next semester by Ms. Bello. There’s only 1 section open and it’s at 11am on Tuesday and Thursday. It’s going to be a fun class!

Last, manage your time. Time is everything in college! You fall asleep for couple minutes in class, and you’re probably missing the most important part today or your homework this week. You decide to delay your homework several times, and you might be failing this class soon. If you want to graduate in 2 years, basically, you need to take 6 courses for 3 semesters and another 5 courses for the other 1 semester. I know to keep attendance for 6 classes is hard because that’s what I’m also always struggling. My solution for this problem is to take online classes. When you’re taking 6 classes, to take 1 or 2 online classes is a really good idea, unless you have trouble taking online courses. Pain is temporary, but GPA is FOREVER! And if you have any trouble, always remember to talk to your professors and your advisor! There’re so many people helping you here.

Stop procrastinating! Go to register your classes now, so you won’t miss your classes you need or you want. Good luck on your final papers and final exams! Also, have a nice break! I’ll see you next semester.