Study Habits 

At this point in the semester, I am doing well but I need to improve in some of my courses. I have a few goals and plans to improve my grade in Introduction to Chemistry and Interpreting The American Past. I have not only set academic goals but many personal goals as well. I want to improve my networking skills and join some clubs and organizations on campus. 

Transition to College

I had high expectations coming into college, I couldn’t wait to have freedom from my parents and I aspired to make the most of my education by engaging with your professors and classmates. College was a lot different than I thought it would be, it’s not like the movies and tv shows I watched in high school. My toughest challenge was being away from my family and friends. Even though Richmond is only an hour and a half away, I still get homesick. The easiest thing I overcame was my fear of making new friends and putting myself out there. 

My Major

I am an Intended Nursing Major and I learned that to succeed as a nursing student you have to be disciplined and  more mature. My feelings towards my major have changed many times since the beginning of the semester. I considered changing my major due to how hard my prerequisites are. After meeting with my advisor, I came to terms with my courses and want to still aim for nursing. I would like to minor in women’s studies and I am currently taking Professor Knight’s Women, Gender, and Sexuality course here at ODU! 

Connecting to campus

During my stay here at Old Dominion University I have faced many challenges like my mental health and being a first generation college student. In this very critical time in my life I have a lack of support and the stress and pressure of college life has taken a toll on my mental well being. As I reached my breaking point I knew I had to do something, so I reached out to student health for counseling and I found many free resources right here on campus. So far I have been doing weekly sessions and feel more comfortable and supported. 

Guest Speaker/ Field Trips 

I really enjoyed when Dr. Raymer and Dr Jones, who came to speak with us from the Public Health and Nursing Department. It made me happy seeing women that look like me in health professions. Their visit to our class was really significant due to the fact that me and my classmates want to be health professionals and maybe one day be students in their departments. I would like to see more women of color that are health professionals at the panel next month, I will most definitely have many questions!