Mid-Semester Reflection

Considering your Pre-Semester Reflection, identify the changes you have made between the start of the semester and now, and how you are going to continue working on areas that you are struggling…

Mid-Semester Reflection (100 Points)

Due Date: Week 9 – 10/25

Directions: Please respond to the questions in paragraph form. Use the template below to type your assignment. Save it as your Last Name_First Name Pre Semester Reflection

Assignment Submission: Google Drive via Canvas

Reflection Instructions

For this assignment, please look back at your Pre-Semester Reflection and identify changes that you have made between the start of the semester, and now.  

Answer each question using complete sentences and good spelling and grammar. Be thorough and thoughtful in your analysis! This will be going up on your e-Portfolio. Make sure to add it once it has been graded. You can make edits to it after it has been graded for your e-Portfolio submission. 

Reflect on the following: 

Study Habits

  • What classes are you doing well in, and why? 

I am doing decent in all of my classes. I ensure I complete all of my homework and assignments on time, if not a day or two before the due date. In addition, I take time to study for quizzes and tests. 

  • What classes did you identify as needing assistance in? 

There is not a particular class that I need extra assistance in. If there were one, it would probably be Chemistry at the moment. 

  • What changes have you made (i.e., amount of time, location, campus resources, study strategies, etc…)?

I ensure that I study regularly so I do not get burnt out easily. I designate a certain block of time for each subject. I usually come home after classes to get a head start on my schoolwork; that way, I do not stay up all night to work on assignments. This gives me more free time during the evening. 

Transition to College

  • What expectations did you have coming to college? 

I expected college to be more demanding than high school. I expected more independence with studying and assignments, along with ensuring I took the initiative to attend class. Lastly, I expected it to be a difficult transition, but not one that I couldn’t adapt to with time. 

  • Have those expectations come to fruition or not? 

Yes, these expectations have come to pass. 

  • How?

I have twice as much homework now that I am in college than I did in high school. Professors are not hounding their students to get assignments and projects done. They will remind them when the due date is, but once they have expressed that, it is up to the students to ensure they get everything turned in on time. Lastly, Professors will not penalize their students for not attending class. Their attendance will affect their grade, which is indicated to the students at the beginning of the year. 

  • In what way is your college experience different from what you expected?

I initially thought that college would be a lot more intimidating and overwhelming. However, I am doing a good job so far in managing my time and ensuring my homework and assignments are turned in on time. In addition, adapting was not as difficult as I presumed. 

  • What has surprised you about your experiences so far this semester?

Everyone just does their own thing. No one judges anyone else, and everyone I have met is extremely nice. There are so many events that are going on daily that I never had the ability to obtain in high school. 

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

N/A

  • OR  If you commute to class: What is the toughest challenge with commuting to campus? Easiest challenge to overcome?

The toughest challenge when commuting is traffic, planning your passage to and from campus, and refueling costs. The easiest challenge to overcome is planning my passage to and from campus. If I plan ahead of time, it will alleviate any potential stress. 

Major

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

To be admitted into the bachelor’s program of Exercise Science, certain health pre-req classes must be met beforehand. It is not just GEN ED classes. 

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

No, they have not; if anything, my feelings about pursuing this major have only been amplified. 

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

The only major I could see myself being interested in is a master’s in A.T.

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 had trouble with writing my first paper in English. I used the writing center to get guidance and aid in getting direction on where to go to complete this paper successfully. 

  • 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? 

My close friend whom I met at orientation has helped me in terms of not overthinking things concerning assignments, and she has helped me see that everyone has struggled their first year, but it is our ability to bounce back from them that is important. 

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

I have not. I am not in the frame of mind yet to attend. I am looking into attending next year.