College One
Midterm Reflection
The way I prepared myself for my first year of college was different
from this year. Last year during midterms I studied the week midterms were
happening, not giving myself enough time to study for every single class. I was
extremely stressed out and completely lost when it came to reaching out for help
with a tutor on campus. The library wasn’t much help both because the Wi-Fi in
the building was really slow and it was always crowded and noisy. This year was
much easier for me to study for finals because I had more resources and my
coach suggested we studied two weeks prior to midterms since we would be going
away to a tournament. Unfortunately, I
was only able to acquire elective classes for this semester, so all my midterms
were fairly easy. I also learned about time management my second year, I wish I
would of known about it going into college because it would of helped me a
great deal. Every day I allow myself an hour to do homework and catch up on any
missing assignments. Since I am an athlete on campus I was able to use “The
Zone,” a private study hall, located in the GM building. The Zone was very
useful because there are computers you can use, tutors, and councilors that are
ready to assist you. The only downfall
about the zone is their closing hours which is 4 p.m. I felt most successful in
my health and wellness class because I always left the classroom in a good mood
ready to steer my life into a positive direction. It wasn’t any specific
assignments that made me feel like I accomplished something, it was the class
overall and taking the information I was learning and adjusted it into my
everyday life. I did have trouble in a class, College 1, completing the modules
online specifically because of time management. I just kept making excuses to
myself like my computer catching a virus, not having Wi-Fi at home, and I had
such a busy schedule the only time I was available to do homework was at night
when everywhere was closed. I think the best thing for me to do is go to my resources
like the tutors in the Zone. That’s what they’re there for so I might as well
use the opportunity.
College Reading Reflection
I really enjoyed reading Madonna’s of Echo Park because
every chapter had a different point of view. After every lesson I was eager to
know who and what the next chapter was about and how it related to the previous
one. RRJ’s were useful because I did not start putting the puzzles together
until I actually started the assignment. It allowed me to go back and reflect
on the chapter I had just read. Chapter seven was one of my favorites because the
relationship between Duchess and Angie is somewhat like mine and a friend I had
in high school. In school I had this friend Justine who was unique in her own
way and just did things differently apart from everyone else just like Duchess.
She didn’t care about what anyone thought but that’s what made everyone like
her so much. I thought we were going to grow up and rule the world together. As
time went on we grew apart and we were going different directions in our lives
like the two characters in the book. She got pregnant and dropped out of school
and I continued going to school. Like Angie I yearn so much to see what’s out
there, that’s what keeps me motivated to be successful. Duchess was close minded
about change and seeing what’s out there than just Echo Park. I wouldn’t want
that mindset because I’m limiting myself when I know I’m capable of much more.
In high school I wouldn’t really read, I seemed to scam through the pages. Whenever I couldn’t pronounce the word I’d skip it. Now that I’m in college I pronounce a word aloud if I have trouble with it. I decided to take philosophy in the beginning of the semester but I ended up dropping the course because there was so much reading, I didn’t think I was capable of passing the class. I wish I gave myself a chance and followed through with the class because as the semester continued reading became easier.
In high school I wouldn’t really read, I seemed to scam through the pages. Whenever I couldn’t pronounce the word I’d skip it. Now that I’m in college I pronounce a word aloud if I have trouble with it. I decided to take philosophy in the beginning of the semester but I ended up dropping the course because there was so much reading, I didn’t think I was capable of passing the class. I wish I gave myself a chance and followed through with the class because as the semester continued reading became easier.
Successes and Failures Reflection
Looking back at my semester I think my health and wellness
class taught me a lot. It wasn’t a specific assignment that made me feel
successful, it was the class overall. After every class meet I would leave
thinking and reevaluating my life. Most assignments were about self-worth and
how to keep your eye on the prize. As the class went on I felt like it was
rubbing off on me, I started doing things my teacher said would help to stay
focused in school and it surprisingly worked. I was given a short term goal log
every week and at the end of the week I’d look back and reflect on my short
term goals to see if I accomplished them. Whenever I completed every goal for
the week I felt very successful and a few steps closer to my long term goals. I
learned how to tell myself “I can” by telling myself every night before I fell
asleep to do the short term goals so that it can lead to my ultimate goals. I
also learned about self-worth and having good self-esteem, I shouldn’t always
put myself down for small mistakes but to look at the things I’ve accomplished
already, and give myself credit for making it this far.
This semester I felt least successful in my College 1 course because I had a lot of setbacks. I wasn’t able to complete all the modules on canvas and my grade letter dropped. There really wasn’t much I could do since the semester was coming to an end. As of right now I’m currently trying to redeem myself by completing my ePortfolio and another homework assignment. I learned that I’m not really lazy, I say I am that’s why I don’t complete assignments sometimes. I don’t necessarily believe that’s true because if I really wanted something I would get up and get it. A career is what I want and to be something in life so I need to stop making excuses and just try. I also learned that I’m a lot smarter than I think I am, I surprised myself by getting high test scores in my classes.
This semester I felt least successful in my College 1 course because I had a lot of setbacks. I wasn’t able to complete all the modules on canvas and my grade letter dropped. There really wasn’t much I could do since the semester was coming to an end. As of right now I’m currently trying to redeem myself by completing my ePortfolio and another homework assignment. I learned that I’m not really lazy, I say I am that’s why I don’t complete assignments sometimes. I don’t necessarily believe that’s true because if I really wanted something I would get up and get it. A career is what I want and to be something in life so I need to stop making excuses and just try. I also learned that I’m a lot smarter than I think I am, I surprised myself by getting high test scores in my classes.
Letter to a First Year Student
Dear first year students,
You’re probably nervous and anxious to start your first year as a college student. Luckily, you have me to give you some pointers! I’m not going to sugar coat anything so excuse me if I’m completely blunt. When I first started I hated college, I did not feel like college was for me. I felt so overwhelmed because everything I was learning did not compare to what I learned in high school. Everyone is handed out a syllabus, it is your responsibility to complete your assignments on time. If you don’t pay attention in lectures you’ve wasted more of your time that you didn’t already have, to read even more. The students aren’t there to socialize and dress up really cute to impress someone. They’re all there to get in to get their education and get out. Some want to transfer and go to a University. I see everyone as a competition, well just the people in my specific major. We are all going to school for the same reason but if other students get better grades than me my chances of getting into the college I want will be harder. I’m not saying ignore everyone and just put all of your energy into school. I’m just saying don’t think of college as a fun hang out like on lunch break in high school. You will make friends with Susie from Sociology and you never know she can end up being your best friend. If you’re into sports like myself you should consider joining on in college. Not only are you getting a good work out, but you also get priority registration, and it looks good on college transcripts. This year I played Water Polo, I enjoyed it because my teammates made it fun at practice. One fun experience from this season is going to Santa Cruz for a tournament, and the school paid for the fare and our hotel. When you’re an athlete you get more privileges than most students. All these things made my second year enjoyable. But it wasn’t always that way. I struggled in my first year and you probably will too but don’t get discouraged because we will all get there. Try to take classes you know you’ll be able to handle when the pressure gets tough. Don’t overload yourself with midterms and finals. Also, don’t push back assignments that you know won’t be dude in a while. The longer you wait the more you’re going to have to do. I suggest when its two weeks before finals you should begin to go over the material you will be tested on. There’s a lot of helpful resources on campus, there’s private study halls if you’re in a program or an athlete like TLC and the Zone. You can use the computers in the library for up to 4 hours a day. There’s a lot of counselors here to steer you into the right direction. If you are ever stressed there’s also psychological help from doctors free of charge. Of course I’d suggest that because that’s the career I’m going towards, but trust me they’re very helpful and everything is confidential. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and I hope you are successful in college!