To my surprise, I am doing much better than I expected to be doing in chemistry. I’ve always struggled with that class any time I’ve taken it, but it looks like my hard work is paying off. Aside from that, I am doing well in sociology too. I’m not sure that it’s anything I’m doing in particular, but I find it easy to keep up in that class. I turn in all my work on time if not early, show up to class, and study before any quiz or test. I don’t currently need help in any classes, but I could be doing better in my history class. The issue is more that I am creating too much stress for myself in that course, not that I need help with anything. 

Coming to college everyone does and should expect change, stress, some anxiety, and excitement. So far I have done a really good job balancing all of these things while starting college. I have a group of friends where all of us are different, but all supportive of each other. We focus on our school first, and then make time for all of us to relax and have fun; I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to go through this transition with. I am surprised at how easily I’ve made these friends. Every last one of us just kind of stumbled upon each other and now we all have a strong support system. Making friends was the easiest part of college for me so far. The hardest part is probably learning to manage my anxiety and depression while trying to meet others’ standards. However, it is something I’m put all my effort into and I know it’s nothing I can’t handle. 

My intended major is nursing, and I have learned so much more about it this semester. Of course, the main lesson I’ve learned is how difficult it is to get into the nursing program, but in the same way, I’ve learned of new ways to push myself and work towards that goal. I haven’t changed my mind about my major, but I’ve thought about potential minors such as biology. I’d also like to learn more about minoring in sociology if that is possible. 

I think all of us can honestly say we’ve encountered more than one problem on campus and had to learn how to seek help for ourselves. In the last few months here I’ve had to make a lot of adjustments regarding my mental health. I’ve struggled a lot these last few years and one of my biggest struggles is my eating disorder. Being on my own means a lot of responsibility including feeding myself and making sure I do so properly. Not only do I have a sister who also currently attends ODU, but I’ve created a network of people I know I can go to for help. My therapist and I meet virtually if necessary, one or two of my close friends is aware of my situation, and I keep the information for the student health center and women’s center on me just in case they could help in some way. I haven’t joined any clubs or attended interest meetings. I briefly stopped by a convention sort of event for greek organizations, but I decided against joining anything right now. For this first semester, I want to focus on school and time management before adding more commitments to my schedule.