Reflect on the Fall semester and the overall experience of your first semester at college.
Your First Semester
- Tell us how you have grown from the beginning of the semester to now.
Since the beginning of the semester, I’ve grown both academically and socially. I feel much more confident in my study habits and academic capabilities now than when I started this semester. Similarly, I’ve come out of my shell and have made an effort to get to know more people both in the health sciences community and outside of it.
- What were your expectations for this year? Did this semester’s experiences meet your expectations? Explain.
I expected this semester to be much more stressful than it ended up being. I worried about losing motivation easily, or simply getting lost around campus. I’ve managed my workload and personal time very well, and while I still struggle with getting distracted easily, I’m doing quite well.
- What is something you wish you knew 14 weeks ago?
14 weeks ago, I wish I knew that AI can be used as a helpful study tool when given the right prompt. My English 110C touched on the use of AI to create mind-maps or outlines for notetaking and this has helped me tremendously. I’m now much better at drafting detailed, clear notes, and this has helped keep my focus for studying.
Study Habits
- How much time do you spend studying for each class now vs. at the beginning of the semester?
I used to spend barely an hour studying, but have since upped that time to about two-and-a-half hours. With the more colorful, visual notes that I’ve been taking, I’ve been able to devote more time to studying as I haven’t been getting distracted as easily. I’m seeing an improvement in my grades, especially in my history class, and am feeling positive about my final exams.
- How have your study habits changed?
Instead of just copying down notes from the slideshows presented in class, I’m adding pictures, graphs, and I’m making the notes colorful. They’re a lot more visually appealing, which makes studying feel a little more fun. I still prefer to study in the comfort of my dorm, but have given a shot to studying in other locations. The change of scenery helps every-so-often, but nothing beats the comfort of my private space.
- Tell us about a resource that you have used/learned about this semester that will assist you next semester.
I’ve spent a lot of time, especially with English assignments, speaking with my professors and getting a better idea as to what they look for while grading. Office hours spent with these professors has helped me learn how to write more effectively, as well as being able to spread the information onto 2-3 pages without overcomplicating the paper with big, unnecessary wording or repetition.
- What study habits/techniques will you use going into next semester?
I intend to explore different types of note taking and other studying techniques. As someone who never properly learned how to study in middle or high school, it has been a struggle to retain information and put the effort into studying outside of the classroom.
Health Professions Learning Community
- This semester you were enrolled in at least SOC 201S, and HLTH 101. Many of you were also enrolled in CHEM 105N and CHEM 106N, and some of you were enrolled in HIST 104H with Professor White.
- On the surface these classes do not appear to be connected; however this semester each professor was intentional about drawing connections between content, and subjects discussed. Discuss the ways in which these courses are tied together.
The best connections I can make between the classes I enrolled in this semester are the overlaps between sociology and history. When looking back at the topics discussed in history with the new knowledge learned in sociology, I was able to apply the different sociological theories to past events. I applied conflict theory to the ‘separate but equal’ era of US history. For chemistry, we touched briefly on nuclear emissions and their effects on the human in certain dosage amounts.
Parallel Plan
- This semester we had presentations from different majors in the College of Health Sciences as well as from different majors on campus. This was to give you an idea for possible parallel majors to your current intended major.
- Which two other majors would you be most interested in? Why?
I haven’t given much thought to parallel majors, but if I had to choose two to have as backups, I’d be inclined to pick either public health or psychology. I’ve added on psychology as a minor, so I will already be getting the credits for classes related to the topic. If I were to change majors, psychology would be the one I’d be most interested in. I’d also consider public health because I see the major as being very open-ended, much like nursing. I see public health as a stepping stone for pursuing many health related careers.
- What benefit is there to having a parallel plan (or two) in place?
If I ever become overwhelmed with the nursing program, I’ll have a plan to fall back on so my education doesn’t halt or suffer any disadvantage. I have my heart set on nursing, and am feeling confident in my abilities to grow with this major at this moment in time. Whether or not that will change is up to the future, but I strongly believe that I will stick with it.
- How could one or both of these two majors benefit your current intended major?
I believe public health and nursing go hand-in-hand, but psychology is a bit different. Though, I think either alternative major benefits my current intended major as they all provide the skills necessary to work in a clinical setting. All these majors tackle skills such as interdisciplinary collaboration, versatility, and adaptability; which are all crucial to healthcare. I feel that these three majors are equally important, and can lead to prosperous careers in the future.