Currently, I am doing well in my Music History, Statistics, and Sociology classes. I am doing well in these courses because I have spent extra time studying for them. When studying, though, I have made sure I am actively paying attention to the material that I am looking over. Furthermore, I have also used extra resources to ensure I understand the material, like practice quizzes, practice problems, and listening guides. Previously, I identified my Chemistry class as being the course I needed assistance in. To better my comprehension of this course, I have made quite a few changes to how I approach my work and studying. First, I have made sure to spend more time studying the material presented in class and on a more consistent basis. When studying, I start by creating a space that I will enjoy and feel comfortable conducting work in. This ranges from cleaning up my desk and organizing my materials to lighting candles to warm the atmosphere. I also started using the Pomodoro studying technique where I spend 25 minutes studying and then take a 5-minute break, repeating this until I have covered all the information needed. This has helped me retain the information while not becoming burnt out by over studying. Finally, I have utilized the resources my professor has provided by attending her exam review sessions on the weekends. Overall, I feel that these changes have immensely paid off.

     Continuing, coming to college, I had the expectation of being constantly challenged. I feared that I would struggle on an academic basis. Furthermore, I expected that I would be mostly by myself all the time. I love making friends, but I can be quiet, so I feared not meeting anyone new. On the positive side, though, I had the expectation of loving my new school and feeling welcomed. These expectations have and have not come to fruition. Yes, I am at times challenged by my coursework; however, I have not found myself at the point of struggling. I have made it my job to use whatever resources provided and necessary to maintain high grades, while understanding the material of my courses. To this point, I have done well in my studies and have been able to manage everything. In addition, my college experience has been different than expected because I have met amazing friends. The people I have met encourage me and make me feel at home. We all look out for each other’s well-being and have fun together. This has surprised me because I did not envision myself making such connections so soon. The expectation that has most come to fruition, though, is that I feel extremely welcome here at ODU. Everywhere I turn, there is a person with a smile on their face, willing to help me with whatever I need. The school spirit is also astounding, aiding in the inviting atmosphere. Beyond the actual experience of being at college is my task of getting to the university, due to my commuting status. The toughest challenge of commuting to campus is the physical drive. It takes a lot out of me because I must be quite defensive and cautious when driving, to avoid accidents. It also can be difficult if I am tired in the mornings, causing extra stress. In addition to this, it requires a lot of gas, which is expensive. Overall, the drive to campus is physically and mentally exhausting, as well as economically hard. However, the easiest challenge to overcome is wanting to come to campus. I enjoy my courses and my time with my friends here, so it is easy to want to make the drive. I also know it is a necessity for my academic success, adding extra motivation.

     Next, I learned that once in the nursing program, a C is a failing grade. This shows that it is important to develop academic discipline now so it can carry over into my major years. In addition, I am honestly not sure if my feelings have changed about nursing. I still have the desire to become a nurse and I have an excitement for it, but I have had a few fears emerge about failure. I am fearful of not being able to maintain the needed grades for the program, as well as I am fearful of making detrimental mistakes when in the career. I also have at times considered if I chose the correct major, as there were other interests I decided against. There are a few other subjects that I have interest in learning about, those being English or Music Composition. Additionally, one of the main challenges that I have encountered this semester is time-management. I have improved in it, however, I still fail to completely maximize the productive time I have, as well as organize it to be used to the best of its ability. The resource that I can use to become better at this task is the Academic Resource Center/Student Resource Center. However, despite this and other struggles, I have had many people that have helped me so far. To name a few, my friends have helped to keep me encouraged. They have also helped me study or calm down, depending on what is needed. We have all met up for many study sessions, movie nights, and game nights, which have all been helpful for my wellbeing. Beyond the academic sphere of college, I want to join ODU’s chapter of CRU, but I have not yet. I intended to attend their meetings earlier in the semester, but my schedule became busier. Now, I have decided that I might wait until next semester to join this club.

     Finally, I have learned about a few new sustainable practices so far this semester. Specifically, I have learned that there are programs that ODU has put into place to aid the entire student body in becoming more sustainable. I am excited to further explore these in the sustainability assessment project. In addition, I have also learned about the implementation of sustainable lightbulbs that help to reduce the use of electricity. In general, I would like to become more sustainable. I want to start reducing my use of water, electricity, plastic, and paper. I already attempt to do these acts by turning off lights when I am not in certain rooms and by turning off water while I brush my teeth, but there is much room for improvement. I can become better by using more reusable containers and by remembering to bring my water bottle with me wherever I go. Overall, I would like to learn more about what are the best steps to take when first starting out on your sustainable journey. I also think it would be beneficial to learn about resources for sustainable products.