Mid Semester Reflection

1. Study Habits

For each class, I spend about an hour a week studying. My grades definitely reflect the amount of time I study per week. My Sociology grade would probably be slightly higher if I studied more. I need to put more time into studying, especially in my sociology and history classes. I tend to study in my room, but I occasionally study in the study room in my dorm. I find myself distracted quite often, but it’s usually because I have friends over. I tell them I need to study and they leave because they understand. The room’s lighting is also important for my focus, so I turn on my “study lights” which are the ceiling lights that put me in the mood to get to work. I’m the most focused towards the later afternoon or early evening, especially right before and right after dinner. I usually study and do my homework at that time.

2. Learning Style

I haven’t tried any new study techniques because I honestly did not have the motivation to try something new, studying-wise, only for it to not work for me. The study habit that works for me best is reading the textbook, PowerPoint slides, etc. and taking outline notes in my notebook. It typically works best in class, but my sociology class is easier with taking notes at home in the textbook. In my chemistry and history classes, I do better when my professors go over PowerPoints during class, and I take my notes then.

3. Transition to College 

So far, college has been mostly what I expected it would be like. I was surprised that I would make as many friends as I have, especially in such a short period, but I’m glad I did. College is different than what I expected because I did not realize how much freedom I have. I also didn’t expect that I would not have a lot of homework; I figured my workload would be very heavy, but so far, it hasn’t been. 

4. Connecting to Campus

One challenge I have encountered this semester is an increased level of depression, and I have gone to the student health center in the Webb Center to get a different type of antidepressant. My sister (an ODU graduate), my girlfriend (also an ODU graduate), and my roommate and friends have helped me this semester by being my support system during this transition to college. When I struggle to interpret homework, I ask one of my friends to help me essentially “translate” the homework. I have joined the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, and I went to their meet-and-greet in September. In the Webb Center during activity hour, I participate at their table by engaging with the members. I have yet to go to another meeting due to a lack of not checking my email for meeting dates, but I do plan on going to another meeting soon.