My First Semester

As I reflect on my journey from the beginning of the semester to now, I can confidently say that I have undergone significant growth in various aspects of my life. Academically, I have embraced challenging coursework and expanded my knowledge base. On a personal level, I have navigated independence and gained a deeper understanding of who I am without relying on external influences, especially my parents. This year has been crucial for developing responsibility and courage, encouraging me to manage both daily life and academic goals. In evaluating if this semester met my expectations, I find it successful in revealing my limitations and the control I possess over my life. Looking back 14 weeks ago, I wish I had known the importance of self-control and dedication in each day to be productive and efficient. I now recognize that every day requires a conscious choice to study, maintain cleanliness, engage in learning, and simply get out of bed.

Study Habits

During the semester, I have noticed a significant shift in my approach to studying. Initially, I used to dedicate 1-2 hours to each class, but as the coursework became more intense, I found myself spending around 2-3 hours per class. The content has become progressively more challenging, requiring more effort and concentration on my part. Although my overall study habits haven’t undergone a complete change, I had to give more time to understanding complex topics and identifying areas that require additional attention. One valuable resource that I have discovered and incorporated into my routine is the library database. It has proved to be useful in all my research assignments, providing me with quality information. As I reflect on the diverse coursework of the semester and look ahead to the next semester, I plan to maintain effective study habits by continuing to use the Pomodoro timer and enforcing a structured schedule for spaced-out study sessions throughout the day for all my courses.

Health Professions Learning Community 

Despite the obvious difference in subject matter, this semester’s coursework, including SOC 201S, HLTH 101, CHEM 105N, CHEM 106N, and HIST 104H, revealed unexpected connections that enriched my learning experience. Each professor demonstrated an effort to link their individual disciplines, creating an understanding of the connection between courses. In SOC 201S and HLTH 101, sociological perspectives on health and well-being were explored, while the chemistry courses, CHEM 105N and CHEM 106N, highlighted the scientific aspects of health and the relationship between chemical processes and the human body.  Lastly, HIST 104H complemented these objectives by providing historical context, showing how societal attitudes towards health have evolved. The intentional connections not only enhanced my comprehension of individual subjects but also illustrated the links between these academic domains in health science.

Parallel Plan

Along with interconnected courses, I was exposed to presentations from various majors within the College of Health Sciences and across campus, which offered insights into potential parallel majors. Personally, I find myself fascinated by anesthesiology and recreational therapy as potential alternative majors. These choices extend beyond my initial focus on pediatrics and captivate my interest in different aspects of healthcare. Anesthesiology presents a complex and crucial role in surgical procedures, and recreational therapy appeals to my desire to contribute to the overall health of individuals. Recognizing the benefit of having parallel plans in place, I understand the importance of flexibility in my career course. By recognizing majors alongside my primary major, I create a range of career options, enabling me to adapt my occupation to best suit my evolving needs and desires as I progress through life.