Considering your Pre-Semester Reflection, identify the changes you have made between the start of the semester and now, and how you are going to continue working on areas that you are struggling.
Mid Semester Reflection
Allison Holland
Study Habits:
Currently, I am doing well in all of my classes so far in this semester. I have found my techniques and study habits that have allowed me to have good time management for each of my classes. So far, I have managed to take chemistry and microbiology classes in the same semester and I remain to have A’s in both classes. There is no particular class that I would say I need assistance with, however, I do struggle with the lab portion of chemistry. The lecture aspect is easier to comprehend than the lab because of how the material is being demonstrated to me. In the lab, I do not fully understand what the procedure usually is and my TA does not know how to explain it to me very well in a way that I would apprehend. The only aspect of my study habits that I have changed is when I do my homework and studying. I focus my time on school during the day and once dinner comes around, I let school go. It is important to me to maintain a balance between my social life and my school life. I noticed early on that when I would study in my room at night that I did not retain anything I learned. On the other hand, when I studied during the day outside of my room, I learned I could actually focus on what I was trying to learn.
Transition to College:
The only expectations I had when coming to college was to meet new friends that would encourage me in life and to learn the necessary material needed to enter the dental hygiene program and earn my degree. The beginning did not look promising when it came to friends that would keep me accountable for my studies. However, as time came around, I met some amazing friends that I love and they are making my college experience much more enjoyable. I am not a partying girl so the fact that I found others similar to me is amazing. When it comes to the surprising aspect, there is not really anything that I would say has surprised me this semester. I had a general idea of what people in society are like so I was already mentally prepared coming into college. The toughest challenge that I have faced when it came to moving away to college was learning how to live with a stranger and become friends with them. Sometimes it still can be challenging when there are so many differences in how we choose to live in our living spaces, but even in the challenging times, we still find a way to solve our differences and have a good environment in our room.
Major:
One thing I learned about dental hygiene that I did not know before this semester was the application process. I learned how to go through the DHCAS portal and all the components that I will need or have an option of providing in order to get in the program and look competitive. The further I get into this semester the more I know for sure that dental hygiene is still my passion that I intend on continuing to pursue. The only other subject or minor that I am interested in would be the Language and speech pathology. This class has provided me with information regarding that profession and it seems really interesting. I also love how it kind of connects with dental hygiene because it is still geared towards the head and oral structures of patients and how it correlates to their speech.
Connecting to Campus:
One challenge that I have encountered this semester was one night I was in a terrifying situation where some random guy on drugs tried to follow me and my friends down the street at night when we were leaving the Webb and headed home. We had the ODU police on speed dial just in case things went south. Fortunately for us everything was resolved and we were able to escape from him and remain safe, but knowing we had back up just in case was assuring. My peer mentor, Janise, has been a helpful source and guide for me this semester. If it was not for her, I would not be aware of certain events or resources that I have utilized to help me become successful this semester. I attended a meeting for young life college, and I am now in the process of going through training to become a leader. This club has given me those friends that are encouraging to me and I love everything they stand for.