I’ve changed a lot throughout this past semester, but I think everyone does their first semester of college. Going into it I knew it would be difficult, but I was prepared to work for it. This past semester exceeded my expectations all around: I met amazing people, I was constantly learning, and I became a better person and student. Right now I wish I could tell myself from 14 weeks ago that she should stop worrying so much because attending ODU is beyond worth it. 

Throughout the semester, I usually spend the same amount of time studying (about 1-5 hours per class a week depending on what each class requires) plus more for tests and quizzes. Recently I’ve been studying significantly more and reviewing the curriculum for all my upcoming exams. My study habits haven’t changed too much, but I do try to get out more and do my work in more places like the Webb, the library, study rooms in Owens, etc. I’ve also become a lot more organized with my assignments. Tutoring is the resource we learned the most about because it is so easily accessible and helpful. I believe next semester in microbiology I might have to spend some time with the tutors at the school. Next semester I plan to keep up my organizational skills and study in the library and the Webb more often. I think getting out keeps my brain active, at least for a little while. 

Our theme this semester was Social Justice, and the professors tied the classes together really well. In sociology, we learned about injustice in our society and how it’s formed, and in American past, we see that put into action and we think about why these events occurred. Even in chemistry, we learned how social injustice affects people’s access to basic necessities for human life. There were what felt like endless events where we met people we can look up to, and I value each experience. I think Ted Ellis’ presentation left the most lasting impression because it tied our entire semester together.