I will never forget my first day in Haywood Community
College’s dendrology class as a first year wildlife and forestry student. The
professor handed each student a list containing over 100 tree species that we
would have to identify, and, upon closer inspection, I quickly noticed that
beside each listed tree species, there were one or two very strange looking
words. In fact, these words were so strange they seemed like another language! Oddly
enough, they were - Latin, to be precise. Shortly after I noticed these odd
“words,” the instructor then explained these were the “scientific names” of the
tree species, which we were required to memorize for class. And, yes, they had
to be spelled correctly.
If you are a natural resources student, I am sure, at some
point in time, you have had similar experiences in your education. In the
beginning, as a wildlife or forestry student, you probably feel or felt
overwhelmed and pretty confused.
Learning how to identify trees is hard enough as it is, but learning the
Latin name, too is even harder! Although it might seem nearly impossible in the
beginning, trust me; it’s not. All it takes is a few cool study tricks, some determination,
and a little faith the size of a willow oak (Quercus phellos) acorn, which is the smallest acorn, by the
way.
First, study tricks
Make flash cards! Use colorful index cards and different
types of colored pens or pencils. Research has shown that colors will stimulate
the brain and help you process the material you are studying. It might sound
strange, but science doesn’t lie. So use colors!
Once you have made your flashcards, take time to review them
every day. Make a habit of flipping through them before you fall asleep and
just after waking up. Studies have shown that sleeping after processing new
information greatly increases retention. And, when you wake up, you will see
the results immediately, which is always encouraging. It doesn’t hurt to carry
the cards around in your pocket throughout the day. When you are waiting in line
at the coffee shop or waiting for your next class to begin, take a moment to
flip through them. This is a great use of idle time in the day and is much more
productive than flipping through your smartphone. In time, the flash cards will
help, trust me.
If you think there might
be a better alternative, come to the tutoring center, and we will figure out
your own unique studying style. Everyone is different, and there are countless
approaches to learning. So don’t get discouraged if, after trying, a method
isn’t for you.
One last thing, get tutoring! People sometimes joke and
refer to learning trees and plants as being like a “wall of green,” meaning
everything looks the same. This was certainly true for me, so I got a tutor,
and it helped tremendously! As I said before, in the beginning it can feel
really overwhelming and confusing, so take the time to let a tutor help you
adjust. It will give you much more confidence going to class, and it is a
really fun way to study! Make it a regular part of your schedule to attend
tutoring at least twice a week. Even f you only tutor for thirty minutes, you
won’t regret it.
Determination!
“Most people say that is it is the intellect which makes a
great scientist. They are wrong: it is character.”
-Albert Einstein
Alright, you have your flashcards and are attending tutoring
sessions regularly, so make sure you hang in there! When you have a good
schedule and rhythm going, it can get really easy to make excuses to not remain
disciplined. Or, maybe despite all your hard work, your grades still haven’t
been improving. Either way, don’t let this bring you down! Just like Einstein’s
quote above, it isn’t your intellect that will help you succeed; it is your
character, so stay determined! No matter how discouraged you might get, make it
a habit to keep studying. Communicate with your instructors about your
concerns, they want to help, but
won’t know unless you ask. If you remain determined and keep a positive
attitude, you can succeed. Don’t let it anyone tell you otherwise.
Willow Oak Acorn
When you enter
Haywood’s campus each day, have you ever noticed the beautiful, enormous trees
planted on both sides of the road? Those are willow oaks (Quercus phellos), which are one of my favorite trees. Despite
having one of the smallest acorns, willow oaks grow into one of the most
beautiful, enormous trees, which is why they are planted all over the United
States. Next time you enter Haywood’s campus, notice the willow oaks and remind
yourself that they were once a very tiny acorn. Understanding dendrology or
botany won’t come overnight, so have some faith, maybe the size of a willow oak
acorn, and you will be amazed at what can happen!
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