Feelings of Self-Doubt as a Freshman

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One program at CSULB I have been aware of that helps students with self-doubt related to ability is writer's Resource Lab. Writer's Resource Lab supposedly helps CSULB students having difficulties with creating ideas, developing drafts, improving editing skills and basic research through one-on-one tutorials (WRL). They help students figure out what steps to take and find solutions if they have self-doubt related to English writings and improve their abilities. As C.S. Dweck puts in “When students believe they… they focus on doing just that… they take challenges and stick to them” Alas! For me Writer's Resource Lab at CSULB was a failure. I reached out to them for an essay that we had to write in the class next day. I asked my lab teacher to assist me on the topic as, I was confused on the main idea of the author, and he told me that the author is trying to make the point that it is not overactive that makes people feel fatigue, but rather being inactive, i.e. not exercising. 0I wrote on the same lines as I was suggested and it turned out that it was not the main idea what the author wanted to talk about. Despite my small disappointment, though, I appreciated CSULB’s efforts, but it was no help to me, and rather than being appreciated I was embarrassed that my efforts were not fruitful.

The fact is that with my first semester grades it seemed I would drop out of college as I was done with the stress. Nevertheless, when I have this feeling simultaneously, I have another feeling that what kind of brother am I? How will it affects his behaviour towards school, and honestly, I’m very thankful for having that feeling because that is the only thing making me try harder whenever I experience setbacks. Therefore with absolute certainty, I can say that CSULB has helped students with self-doubt in belonging through welcome week and clubs. However, CSULB administrators should try thinking of new activities or labs that might help students with self-doubt related to ability more effectively. AS C. S. Dweck also quotes in his article “The Perils and Promises of Praise” “Educators… can help them gain the tools they need to maintain their confidence in learning by keeping them focussed on the process of achievement.” CSULB does put in the effort but not just quite enough for keeping them focussed towards their goal rather most of them are constantly battling with their self-doubts and abilities.

Works Cited

Tough, Paul. Who Gets to Graduate? The New York Times, May 18, 2014. Web, 13 March 2017

Dweck, Carol S. "The Perils and Promises of Praise." Educational Leadership: Early Intervention at Every Age: The Perils and Promises of Praise. ASCD.org, Oct. 2007. Web. 17 Mar. 2017.

“The Writer’s Resource Lab.” Writer’s Resource lab (WRL). csulb.edu, 18. Mar. 2017