Study Habits
I’m doing well in all of my classes, but I’m exceptionally doing well in ENG 110C and PHIL 110P. These two are introduction-level classes, so the professors I have been lucky to receive have been well-spoken and well-organized. The reason I am doing well in all of these classes is that I have used resources for tutoring, emailing professors, and time-managed studying. The only class I have asked for assistance outside of class was CHEM 105N. After taking the time to understand concepts I was confused about, I have been getting better grades. I usually use the hour/hours I have between my classes to study or finish homework. This has helped me manage how much time I spend studying at home (I’m commuting).
Transition to College
When I started attending to college, I expected to have a lot less time on my hands and that the workload was much more than in high school. My expectations have come to fruition because I’m also tired from how much I am doing; however, the things on campus for students help keep a balance for fun. I expected college to be more stressful. I do think it’s challenging compared to high school, but it’s not as stressful as I thought it would be. The work professors assign is reasonable to complete in the amount of time they give us. Yes, it may be a lot, but it’s not impossible to do. I’m surprised by how relaxed college can be, but it’s a good surprise. Students can choose whatever courses and determine the direction they want on their own terms—which I really enjoy. The toughest challenge I face as a commuter is getting up early in the morning to get to morning classes. The easiest challenge I have overcome this semester is getting to class on time even being a little away from campus.
Major
I didn’t know at the beginning of the semester that my intended major could include a minor like recreational therapy. I have mixed feelings about my intended major like many other freshmen, I would think. I don’t mind the course I have to take to get there or how much work I have to put in because I am a determined person. Although I have my doubts here and there, about where I want to go in the health professions field. I had thought about rec therapy seriously and I talked about it with my advisor. I’d think it would be a great minor, or even Plan B. I am interested in learning more about rec therapy, but that’s the only subject I’ve become especially intrigued by.
Connecting to Campus
I ran into a problem writing a paper for philosophy and I didn’t know where to go from what I had written in my first draft. I utilized talking to my professor in that class for feedback, and I had one of my instructors read it to give more feedback. I do think I could have utilized the writing center in this situation as well, so I will do that in the future. There are a few people in the ODU community who have helped me this semester. Since my friend and I have the same class, she helps me out with insightful feedback, and my English professor has helped me learn how to handle certain writing assignments. My advisor has helped me decide what’s the best plan for my intended major and what’s in my interests as well. I have not attended an interest meeting for a club. It’s simply because I haven’t had the time to go or I didn’t want to attend a meeting. Every time I am interested in a club, I have a prior engagement I have to attend; therefore, I can’t go to it.