Reflect on the following: 

Study Habits

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

I am doing well in Chemistry and sociology class because I am trying to make sure and not miss any assignments with my planner and my calendar. I’m sure to update it as much as I can. This is helpful because the planner I carry everywhere and the calendar is right in front of my desk so I have to see it every morning.

• What classes did you identify as needing assistance in? 

I feel I need more assistance in my English class just because I’m not the best writer and I find myself getting distracted easily in my writing structure. I cant get my thoughts organized to put into words.

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

I found I’m more productive when writing essays if I’m not in my own dorm. I’ve also joined a sorority which has 10 mandatory documented study hours I need every week. Studying with the girls or just some friends in study rooms or libraries make me less sleepy and the give me no other place to run away to. My teacher has also provided me and my classmates an extra credit opportunity. Which is when we drop into the writing center walk in hours and telling the person in charge our professor’s name and we’ll receive extra credit for participation.

Transition to College

• What expectations did you have coming to college? 

My expectation was that school was going to be more fun but also way more independent work with the few hours of school I have, compared to high school.

• Have those expectations come to fruition, or not? 

They have come true but I’ve just been having trouble getting organized and situated in the beginning. I did not understand how I would have balanced everything.

• How?

In the beginning of the school year I’ve missed some really important assignments. The due dates creeped up and I was not able to retake it.

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

All the freedom is a big transition from life before college and making sure I get into the classes I want first seems nerve wrecking. Paying for my classes has really made me put into consideration my professors and their workload. Researching can turn into a huge web search for hours.

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

I’m surprised with everything here at Old Dominion University , the weather, my roommate, even my budget. I’ve never moved a day in my life and this experience was overstimulating at first.

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

I feel like I’m dissociating a little from reality because I’ve never moved in my life and being here far away is all I’ve ever wanted. All I keep telling myself is that I worked so hard to get here and I’ve got to keep pushing. Getting away was only the beginning of my freedom, adjusting to everything new was difficult.

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

Major

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

What I  learned from my major is that I definitely have to save up money because it only gets harder and more expensive from here. 

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

My feelings have not changed. I know I work best with my hands and being a perfectionist is what I strive for. I know dental hygiene is my perfect major. I see myself doing it as my career path.

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

I’ve always wanted to minor in psychology although I still have not taken the class and only heard of it. I know I will be taking it in the spring and I’m only excited to see what I will learn in the future. I’m intrigued in learning more about the behaviors of others and why people react in certain ways.

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. 

There was this other extra credit opportunity that when I completed the library research fundamental tutorial from the library website it helped with finding good reliable research articles for my argumentative paper I’m writing. This is also good for me to know that I have good sources to fall back on and know I’m telling people the facts and not biased opinions.

• 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? 

 I have a friend in both my chemistry and sociology who helps me when I need it. I’m comfortable going to them whenever I’m stuck and we both strive to get a better grade than each other, making friendly competition.

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

I join a sorority and we have mandatory study hours and a lot of opportunities to volunteer in my community. I’m hoping to build my resume from this and I’m excited about all the new people I’ll meet and life long friends I can make.