What classes are you doing well in, and why? 

I am currently doing very well in english. I really enjoy the subject and the assignments are quite easy. We did not have a lot to do, it is just a lot of reading and understanding of the works. 

What classes did you identify as needing assistance in? 

Chemistry is still something I am struggling with. I do not understand it very well. I try to get help from friends and study in new places but it is still very difficult for me. It makes me feel like I am not good enough to take the class.

What expectations did you have coming to college? 

I expected it to be very different from high school., a lot more strict and more assignments than I have now. I expected to not have as much free time as I have had as well.

Have those expectations come to fruition, or not? 

No, they have not. It has been a lot more laid back, and classes are much different than I thought they would be. I also thought I would always be on my A game. I was surprised to see the amount of friends I have made, and the amount of academic support I have from my fellow classmates.

If you live on campus: What has been your toughest challenge with moving away to college? Easiest challenge to overcome?

The toughest challenge I have faced is living on my own, and doing everything for myself. At home my mom typically made me food and did laundry, which was a routine I needed to get into. The easiest challenge was making new friends. 

Major

• Name something you have learned about your intended major that you did not know at the beginning of the semester.

I learned about all of the different requirements I need, and that there are a lot of people with the same major as me.

• Have your feelings changed about your intended major? List some thoughts you are having.

I am conflicted about continuing with my major, due to the competitiveness, and since I am struggling with chemistry now, I am nervous it will get worse.

• Is there another subject (major or minor) that you are interested in learning more about? 

After today, I really am interested in nuclear med and also public health. I want to learn more about pharmacy jobs as well.

Connecting to Campus

• Name one problem or challenge you have encountered this semester, and which resource(s) at ODU you have/can utilize to assist with this situation. 

I am struggling with chemistry, and I can go to the tutors that ODU offers for help.

• Is there a friend, roommate, professor, advisor, or group in the ODU community who has helped you so far this semester? If so, how did they help you? 

In my sorority we have a betxi and an academic buddy. They have been there for me, and I can ask them any questions I have about classes and they are always able to help me. 

• Have you attended an interest meeting for a club? Why did you decide to get involved or not get involved?

I joined a sorority and I am planning on joining the fishing club. I always knew I wanted to be in a sorority, and I was in the fishing club at my highschool.

Themester: Sustainability (Environment)

• What new sustainable practices have you learned about so far this semester (think back to our guest speakers Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Hoglund!)?

 I have learned about buying less clothing and being more sustainable and smart when I shop.

• What sustainable practices would you like to begin participating in? 

I would like to shop less, recycle more, and conserve water more

• Is there anything more you would like to learn about sustainability for the rest of the semester?

I would like to learn more about how we can use cars less.