Your First Semester

At the beginning of the semester, I was still adjusting to the independence and expectations of college life, often feeling overwhelmed by the new responsibilities. I expected this semester to be academically challenging but manageable, and while it met my expectations in terms of difficulty, I underestimated the importance of time management and mental health. Over time, I have grown more confident in managing my time, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support when needed. I’ve developed better study habits and learned to balance academics with self-care, which has made me more resilient and adaptable. Looking back, I wish I had known how vital it is to establish a consistent study routine early on—procrastination is not your friend in college, especially with multiple deadlines.

Study Habits

At the beginning of the semester, I spent about 2–3 hours per week per class studying, but now I dedicate closer to 5–6 hours as I’ve realized the workload requires more preparation and review. I’ve improved my approach by breaking tasks into smaller chunks and reviewing material daily instead of cramming before exams. The Trio SSS has been incredibly helpful, with their tutoring sessions and workshops on time management greatly enhancing my study habits. Next semester, I plan to stick to a strict study schedule, review lecture notes daily, and incorporate active learning techniques to continue building on this progress.

Health Professions Learning Community

Though these courses cover different subjects, they share an underlying emphasis on understanding human behavior and well-being. For example, SOC 201S helped me grasp the societal impacts on health, while HLTH 101 provided foundational knowledge about health professions. Chemistry tied in by demonstrating the scientific basis for health practices. Together, these courses painted a holistic picture of health care and its importance in society.

Two other majors I’d consider are Exercise Science and Psychology. Exercise Science interests me because it focuses on the relationship between physical activity and overall health, offering a strong foundation for working with patients to improve their physical well-being. Psychology appeals to me because of my interest in understanding human behavior and mental health, which is essential for providing compassionate and holistic care as a nurse.

Having a parallel plan provides flexibility in case my current path doesn’t work out, ensuring I remain on track for graduation while pursuing a career I’m passionate about. Exercise Science could enhance my nursing career by deepening my understanding of how physical activity impacts health and recovery. This knowledge would allow me to better educate patients on the importance of exercise in managing chronic conditions and improving overall well-being. Similarly, Psychology would benefit nursing by equipping me with the skills to address patients’ mental health needs, fostering stronger communication and empathy, and ultimately improving patient care outcomes.