Your First Semester
I have grown in a few ways this semester, academically, socially and personally. Socially, I’ve met many people and made many friends from all different backgrounds. Academically, I have learned to prioritize the right things and learn to balance several class schedules and the homework assignments. Personally, I have learned how to become more independent. I have learned how to face challenges on my own and how to manage all of the different aspects of my life independently.
My expectations definitely have been met. This semester went very well for me, I was able to successfully make the transition to living on my own. I was able to get connected with the campus and fellow students. Lastly, I was able to participate in clubs that I am passionate about that I have enjoyed thoroughly.
Something I wish I knew 14 weeks ago is to be more flexible about your expectations. Although the majority of my expectations came to fruition, the major thing I needed to learn is that it takes patience. It takes time to meet the right people, it takes time to get invested in clubs and it takes time to see your accomplishments.
Study Habits
The average time I have spent studying for each class has not significantly changed since the beginning of the semester. On average I believe I spend about 2-3 hours a week for each class. The amount of time I spend studying for my classes truly depends on what assignments are due every week. For instance, in the middle of the semester when I had exams I definitely spent 3-4 hours every week instead of 2-3 hours studying. My habits haven’t changed, I was able to find a system that works for me that I do not believe I need to change.
A major resource I found helpful is the ODU library website, specifically the MonarchOne Search. The MonarchOne Search made research for several projects very easy. I knew that I was being provided with trustworthy and helpful resources. I will definitely continue to utilize the website in my future. Over this past semester, I definitely have realized that group study sessions are very helpful. Being able to fully focus and study around other students that are eager to learn and be successful makes it much easier for me to personally strive for success.
Health Professions Learning Community
The two classes I have been enrolled in this semester are HLTH 101 and HIST 104H. The major connection I can draw between these classes is the emphasis on comprehending people’s background. In HIST 104H we discussed government and society, and during every class we always mentioned social determinants of health. Race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, disability status etc. are all important factors that we must consider when trying to create governments but also treat patients. In HLTH 101 as we heard from many different health professionals they also discussed the importance of understanding your patients and the only way to do that is to understand social determinants of health.
Parallel Plan
Two additional majors I am interested in recreational therapy and public health. I am interested in recreational therapy because I believe I would enjoy and succeed in many different aspects of that career. I am interested in public health because it provides useful background knowledge and new perspectives on all health professions within medicine.
Preparedness is very important, if your first plan does not work out, having a second plan ensures that you won’t have to start and square one. Especially as a student it is important to have other options, many college students begin truly learning about their majors as freshman and it is important to explore other options. Having a second plan is crucial for students that wish to enter a competitive atmosphere, if the student is rejected from the first option and do ot have a plan in place it can be incredibly difficult for them. I believe recreational therapy could serve as a good second plan and I believe minoring in public health could benefit my empathy and understanding as an Athletic Trainer.