• Tell us how you have grown from the beginning of the semester to now.

From the beginning to the end of the semester my largest area of growth has been ability to ask for help. Before the semester I would have trouble asking for help because it made me feel incompetent with my ability on whatever task. This has led to me succeed at a higher level since I have noticed that collaboration impacts that way I learn in a positive way.

• What were your expectations for this year? Did this semester’s experiences meet your expectations? Explain.

My expectations for this semester were to be able to meet people who practice a similar work ethic and honesty. I have been able to meet this expectation by meeting people who I now call my closest friends. They desire to perform to their best ability and prove that they can achieve a high level of achievement. Surrounding myself with these peers has pushed me to be a better student and person.

• What is something you wish you knew 14 weeks ago?

Something that I wish I knew 14 weeks ago would be that the work is tedious, but finding the motivation to do it is harder. I have struggled with finding motivation to complete everything, so it has led me down a path of getting behind on things that are simple. I realized that completing the work ahead of time feels better than cramming it in just in time.

• How much time do you spend studying for each class now vs. at the beginning of the semester?

When studying for classes at the beginning of the semester, I would spend my time studying at the last minute and relying on others to push me to study. I wouldn’t spend ample time studying, but thought it was fine because my grades were good. I now force myself to be around other people who are serious about their studies and get me motivated to be how they are. I tend to begin my studies further in advance which has led to an increase in fulfillment.

• How have your study habits changed?

My study habits haven’t changed much throughout my semester. The part that has changed is the amount of time I do spend and the ability to prepare further in advance. I still use the same methods to study since they have worked throughout the semester.

• Tell us about a resource that you have used/learned about this semester that will assist you next semester.

A resource that I have learned about this semester would be the monarch physical therapy clinic. It is a way that I can work on my observation hours within the campus. It could provide me with connections that could benefit me throughout my academic and professional career.

• What study habits/techniques will you use going into next semester?

Some study habits that I will use in the future will be connecting with the people who are in the learning community and my friends. They continue to push each other and have similar goals. Adapting to how others learn is providing me with how to work with others. Having this skill will be beneficial towards future education and career goals.

• Which two other majors would you be most interested in? Why?

Besides physical therapy, two other majors that I am interested in are occupational therapy and athletic training. They align with a similar line of work just with different health goals and populations. I am interested in most majors within the health field due to my desire to help other people see improvements in their own lives.

• What benefit is there to having a parallel plan (or two) in place?

The benefit of having a parallel plan in place is having flexibility with how my schooling goes. I am not set on anything so keeping my options open allows me to connect with people that I may not have if I was only focused on a singular profession.

• How could one or both of these two majors benefit your current intended major?

With my current intended major I am subjected to only one line of work. I may find later that the desirable line of work is not within my intended major. Keeping my options open is my key to allowing myself to feel out my school as it goes on. I prefer to plan what’s ahead so having multiple options gives me access to more resources.