Now that syllabus week is over, many classes are going to begin picking up in difficulty.

Oftentimes, each major and college regards their coursework as the most difficult. With that in mind, it’s important to remember that each course of study presents its own unique challenges. STEM courses are quite demanding, yes, but every class here at Iowa State presents a rigorous and taxing curriculum to its students.

Don’t diminish the difficulty of another student’s work because you regard their major as easier than yours. Just like each course has its own difficulties, each student has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Every time you’re tempted to think that someone would flounder if they were taking your courses, try being empathetic instead. Put yourself in their shoes.

Harboring resentment toward other students because you perceive their coursework as easier is also a counterproductive mindset. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. You never know when you might need the help of that journalism major to look over a lab report, or when you might need to call a math major to help with some statistics.

Cooperation is one of the most effective tools that you can call upon. Don’t shut that door for yourself because of a misguided sense of superiority.

If you’re curious about what someone else’s curriculum entails, talk to them. After all, a favorite pastime of many students is complaining.

Engineering majors can talk for hours about their complicated modeling projects. Science majors can grumble about complicated formulas that defy common sense. Music majors contend with two- and three-hour per day practice requirements while completing a regular amount of coursework. Each major has its own list of particular difficulties.

Holding grudges against students from other colleges is nonsensical. Open up your mind and learn about what each major has to offer. You might be surprised at what you discover and who you meet.