Caroline Henry
10/8/19
Jacob Tousignaut
Mid-Semester Reflection
Each day I spend about 2-3 hours studying. The ratio between classes that I study for vary depending on the day, for example I spend more time on the classes that I have coming the next day. I prefer to study with noise in the background, whether it is music or people talking like in a study room, it keeps me from going crazy. My chemistry class takes a large chunk of my study time, I normally study in the oceanography building for chemistry because the tutors explain everything to me so clearly that I understand, I usually go once or twice a week. When I’m studying something other than chemistry I usually prefer to be in my room, I have access to music, food, and my bed, I find this the most convenient because I am able to get my studying done while still in a comfortable environment. The only time I really find myself distracted while studying is when whatever im doing requires lots of reading. When I’m doing things like rewriting notes and creating study guides I can focus easy, but when I have to read my mind wanders. I have found a way around this however buy highlighting what ever is to be read (online) and having it read aloud to me. I like to study when my classes for the day are done so that when im done I can do whatever I like with the rest of my day. I feel focused during this time because I have just come from class so I am still in the learning state of mind, and am not thinking of other things.
When I study I prefer to have music or some sort of background noise to so I don’t go crazy. Some techniques I use to study included making study guides, the act of writing information down helps me to remember. I also love to talk it out, for subjects like chemistry and math I love a big white board where I can work out the problem. This semester is the first time I have really tried study groups. I enjoy being able to talk out the work, but I often find myself distracted and not being as efficient as I could be. Another new study habit I have learned this year is to use all of my resources. At home I never went to tutors or had a writing center to check my work. But this semester my grades are as high as they are because I seek help whenever I can.
The transition from highschool to college has been a few neutral one. College was more tiring than I expected, I have never taken more naps in my life. But academically my high school was pretty challenging so I knew what to expect and have not been blindsighted just yet. I was surprised by the small things I have experienced from living on my own such as that apparently you have to separate your laundry. Also sometimes I forget to eat and then it’s suddenly its midnight and the dining hall is closed. My toughest challenge from moving away from home has been the break in routine. My stomach usually hurts when I change my routine drastically so the first few weeks of school were kind of rough. Also the separation from my sister and best friend are all really hard.
A problem that I have encountered this semester, is that I am very fresh out of knee surgery. About 6 months ago I had a complete ACL and Meniscus reconstruction, and i’m still feeling the effects of it today. This has affected my at college because it has prevented me from doing things I am interested in such as joining a club sport or be more active in the outdoor adventure program. When I was at my peer advising meeting, I was speaking with a grad student who was actually an exercise science major and she gave me a number for the physical therapy office on campus. I fully intend to use this as an opportunity to heal myself so I can have the full college experience. I am extremely glad that I joined the health science learning community this semester because as an organization it has helped me see the right steps to take on my path to becoming a nurse. I joined a sorority a few weeks ago and it has helped me make many friends and help manage my time. I decided to get involved on campus because in high school all my friends were in the sports teams that I was on, so I was looking for the same kind or situation.