Mid-Semester Reflection

I am doing well in Chemistry because I do the chapter readings, take notes during class, and spend a good amount of time studying. I am also doing well in English. There isn’t much work in that class, but for the work that there is, I stay on top of it. Additionally, I am maintaining a good grade in History. I actively take notes and I have found a new way of gathering information. The last class that I am doing well in is Sociology. I read the chapter notes and do the practice quizzes before each lecture. I find myself having a harder time understanding History. Therefore, I watch YouTube videos for the weekly key terms. This helps reinforce the information by having someone else explain the same topic. Additionally, after the chapter readings I make Quizlet flashcards.

I expected college to be extremely challenging. My expectations have not come to fruition. I am managing all my classes well and maintaining good grades. I study frequently, but I do not burn myself out on studying. Again, I expected college to be difficult and to not have much time for myself, just to only study. I actually have time for myself to do things I like, like going to the gym and hanging out with friends. It has surprised me how self reliant I can really be. I have always been pretty self reliant, but I have furthered that ability since being here. 

I haven’t faced many challenges except getting a new roommate one month into the school year. I am a pretty independent person and don’t depend on people frequently. I have spent some time away from home before on school trips, so I have been preparing in a way. The only thing is that people will be making a lot of noise outside of my room in the living room, on a school night, at 2:00 a.m. while I’m trying to sleep.

I learned that I will have to take some summer classes at the end of my Junior year. My feelings have not changed about my intended major. I have been looking at minors, since I will not have enough credits for my VGAP Grant my sophomore year. So far I am interested in: environmental health, exercise science, and secondary education.

When assigned my first English essay, I didn’t know how to start it, so I went to the writing center. Also, when beginning my research for my History project, I made a virtual research appointment through the library’s website. A few people that have helped me out this semester are Katie, Lindsey, Sydnee, and Madison. Kaite and I had worked together on Sociology midterm corrections. We explained to each other why the answer was wrong if one of us got it wrong and the other got it right. Lindsey Mallett, Sydnee Blackburn, and I work on our Chemistry post labs together. Lastly, Madison Hastain and I review the study guide and answer the questions on it together before a History exam. I attended the Operation Smiles interest meeting, but didn’t join. I wanted to see how my first semester of college would go before getting involved in anything.