Reflection Instructions
For this assignment, please reflect on the Fall 2023 semester, and your experience as a whole. For each question, please provide a few thoughtful, well constructed sentences.
Your First Semester
- Tell us how you have grown from the beginning of the semester to now.
When I first started this semester, I felt unsure about how I would balance my classes, extracurriculars, and adjusting to college life. Over the past few months, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to manage my time and tackle challenges. I’ve learned how to ask for help when I need it, stay organized with assignments, and find balance between studying and taking care of myself. I’ve also become more independent and developed stronger critical thinking skills that I know will help me as I continue my journey in nursing.
- What were your expectations for this year? Did this semester’s experiences meet your expectations? Explain.
I came into this semester expecting college to be a mix of excitement and hard work, and that’s exactly what it has been. I knew the coursework would be challenging, especially chemistry, but I didn’t anticipate how rewarding it would feel to push myself and improve. I’ve also found that being part of a learning community, especially with other health professions students, has been really helpful in creating a support system.
- What is something you wish you knew 14 weeks ago?
Fourteen weeks ago, I wish I had known just how important it is to stay ahead of assignments. Procrastination made some of the first few weeks harder than they needed to be, especially with chemistry. I also wish I had known earlier about the resources available, like tutoring and study groups, because they made a big difference once I started using them.
Study Habits
- How much time do you spend studying for each class now vs. at the beginning of the semester?
At the beginning of the semester, I honestly didn’t spend enough time studying—I would review notes the night before a test or cram. Now, I spend at least 6 studying each course I’m in.
- How have your study habits changed?
My study habits have improved a lot. I’ve started planning my study time in advance and using techniques like active recall to really understand the material. Instead of just reading notes, I quiz myself and create flashcards, especially for chemistry and medical terminology.
- Tell us about a resource that you have used/learned about this semester that will assist you next semester.
One of the most helpful resources this semester has been the tutoring center for chemistry. Being able to ask questions in a small group setting really helped me grasp concepts that I struggled with on my own. Study groups with my classmates have also been a great way to share ideas and stay motivated.
- What study habits/techniques will you use going into next semester?
Next semester, I plan to stick with the active recall and spaced repetition techniques I’ve been using recently. I also want to get into the habit of reviewing material after every class instead of waiting until the week of an exam. I’ll definitely take advantage of tutoring earlier and create more detailed study guides for each subject.
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 courses I took this semester—health professions, sociology, and chemistry—surprisingly connected in ways I didn’t expect. Sociology taught me about the social factors that influence health, like poverty and cultural differences, which are so important for understanding patient care. Chemistry gave me some scientific background I’ll need as a nurse, especially when it comes to understanding how important chemical reactions are. Health professions tied it all together by showing the practical and ethical side of working in healthcare, like how to communicate with patients and handle challenges in a clinical setting. These classes showed me how every aspect of healthcare—from the science to the human connection—is important for providing the best care.
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?
If I had to choose a parallel plan, I would consider biology or public health. Biology would give me a strong foundation in the sciences that directly relate to nursing, like anatomy and physiology. Public health, on the other hand, appeals to me because it focuses on prevention and addressing health issues at a community level, which is something I’m passionate about.
- What benefit is there to having a parallel plan (or two) in place?
Having a parallel plan is reassuring because it gives me flexibility if something unexpected happens. It keeps me on track to graduate while also allowing me to explore other interests that still align with my career goals.
- How could one or both of these two majors benefit your current intended major?
Both majors would complement nursing in different ways. Biology would strengthen my understanding of the human body and prepare me for more advanced courses, while public health would help me see the bigger picture of healthcare, like how to address disparities and improve patient outcomes on a broader scale.