New Goals

         I have several goals for next semester.  In terms of personal goals, I would definitely like to get my work situation back in order. My regular job is cutting hours due to the cold season, and I have been given an opportunity to work somewhere else new, and I am hoping that this all goes well so I have a stable job once again.  I also would like to keep myself motivated to stay in shape next semester.  I have a strong running routine that has taken a while to build up to, and now I can run a total of five miles before getting tired.  If it is possible, which I am confident it is, I would like to get up to seven miles.  I also want to start doing more volunteer work next semester, because it has always been something I enjoy doing, but was limited this semester due to the amount of adjust I needed to make, as well as the amount of time commuting and doing schoolwork. 

    Next semester I would also like to keep in touch with many of the people I met over the course of the semester.  I learned a great deal from them, in terms of study habits, and as a result have become much better at taking tests.  I would like to stay connected with these people because they have really influenced some positive changes to my life.  Additionally, I have really liked having these supportive people around, because without them, I cannot imagine how much rougher this semester could have been. I also would like to try and spend more time with a few of my close friends back in my hometown, because I haven’t had much time to a lot with them, and they have always been there for me, and they deserve to have me go out with them a few times to catch up about where we are right now, and how much we have grown since we graduated. 

        Not only that but I have many academic goals in addition to the others mentioned for next semester.  I would like to get no less than an “A” or a “B” in any of my classes.  This I know will be difficult, but I believe with the proper organization, and right attitude this is possible.  I also want to be prepared, and make sure I have steady study habits in the five classes I am taking, therefore avoiding the up and down issue I had with the six this semester.  I want to make sure that I start projects as soon as they are assigned to me, and use the sources available to make sure that I am giving them my all.  Once again, with the proper self-motivation, I believe that all of these goals are accomplishable. 

Semester Struggles

         This semester definitely revealed a lot of my own personal weaknesses. I at first found that I lacked a great deal of confidence when it came to doing something new, and out of my element. This I found really kept me at times from succeeding in things that really weren’t so difficult.  However, I really learned to take the initiative to overcome this, and as a result my grades improved, and my confidence did as well. I also found that I am not the best at managing my time.  I have mentioned on several occasions that I got myself into some deep trouble  because I was “all over the place” in terms of completing assignments, as well as having all of my necessities with me at all times.  As a result it required a lot of changes to be made to the way I got about taking on tasks, but also taught me a life-long lesson in the process.  One other difficulty I had was not understanding the reality of a heavy workload.  I really took on way too much as a freshman entering into my first semester, and this didn’t help when I was adjusting t so much change, but also helped me make the proper decisions for next semester.

          

Self- Assessment

       It is said by Grant Frazier, “Life is full of obstacle illusions.” This proves to be very true, in that we are all faced with different struggles in life, but they are merely false images of defeat.  We have the power within ourselves to overcome them, with a determined mindset to achieve a goal.  This is what I found of the reality of this semester, that times can be rough, but you can conquer through if you set your mind to it. 

           During the first part of the semester, I struggled to find ways to manage my time.  I found myself to be extremely disorganized, and could barely hand my assignments in on time. I didn’t always make the best decisions with what should be studied first, what paper should be written when, or when I should take time for myself.  It finally caught up with me when I realized that I couldn’t keep stressing about not completing assignments anymore.  This is when I realized that changes were necessary.  I started using a planner, and all of my assignments, as well as the amount of time it would need to complete them were logged in.  I also as a commuter needed to find a way to keep my car organized, so that papers were just shuffled together and lost.  Therefore I began using crates that were organized with file folders and gave each subject a designated section.  The use of post-it notes also became a necessity because I could jot down any important reminders that came along the way.  I also learned that by having this organization, my stress level began to lessen, and I also had a little bit more time for myself to rest.  This time-management I found to be a necessity for a college student, and I am glad that I learned my lesson early on, because I have learned what tools I need to stay organized, and therefore I have become more successful as a student.

            Upon beginning INQ this semester, at first I saw it as a class that was just a requirement that created a lot of busy work for me.  However I learned over the course of the semester that this was not the case, the course also helped me learn a lot about myself as well.  I would definitely stress that the class helped in terms of making goals for yourself, which doesn’t have to be a huge accomplishment.  For example, setting small goals for myself every week for the class helped me stay motivated. One of these would be completing the weekly required blog assignments much in advance of the due date. At first I would procrastinate, and stress about completing them on time for Saturday night. However I learned that if I finished them early in the week, I would feel like I had alleviated some of my workload, which in turn kept me positive.  This technique also worked in other classes as well, therefore giving me a lot more time to complete assignments, and receive better grades. 

        I also experienced a lot of struggle this semester in terms of grades as well.   I had always taken on a tough workload all throughout high school, so upon beginning college I was prepared to do the same thing right away.  However I learned that this isn’t always the best technique if you want to be a successful student.  I took the eighteen credits my first semester, as a commuter, and this created a lot of craziness that wasn’t necessary.  I learned that taken the five classes for next semester would be a better option, because I need time to put my best into my classes, and as a first year student making adjustments to a new environment, need this change to be made.  As previously mentioned I had a hard time adjusting to the workload of all the classes I took, mostly because of how much time is necessary for success in each class.  I chose to meet with my advisors, and talk about how I could improve my situation temporarily to improve my current grades, but also for next semester, and this proved to be a very helpful decision.  I’m glad that I decided to do this because I learned that I wasn’t the only freshman having a hard time, as well as how to change for future success. 

         This semester was also a huge wake up call for the use of critical skills that I never thought I had.  When we were first given our weekly “blogging” assignments, I have to admit that I panicked.  I had never had to approach something like this before, and I felt completely out of my element. At first I saw the blogs as merely a question and answer assignment, but learned there is so much more than this to blogging. I found that it is a way for a person to be creative with what they have to say, for example adding a quote or pictures to emphasize a personal point further.  I found the blogs to be more about creatively expressing yourself and in the end relatively easy.  It may appear somewhat ridiculous, but once the blogs became easier to write, it really boosted my confidence to take on other writing assignments without stressing so much about doing well.   I also found the blogs to be great idea because everyone in the class had a different answer that you could access.  I enjoyed reading other blogs because it made me want to do my own better upon reading everyone else’s. 

            It is also very apparent to just about every college student that it is necessary to find leadership skills to be successful. To be a leader, you need confidence, and INQ definitely challenged this ability throughout the semester.  We were first given campus safari assignments that made us do many things that at first I was afraid to do.  I was on a new campus and didn’t want to run around places for things, and I was at times afraid to go into places to complete the assignments.  However, I realized that at some point everyone is afraid to do something to avoid looking ridiculous.  I later saw that in the end, getting the nerve to do something worrisome is more a mental obstacle that when overcome boosts your confidence.  I learned taking a risk is the first step to achievement.   

          It is also true that I had been very used to having the same requirements every year for classes, and this lead to having a false image of proper expectations. In college I learned that a big part of success is not merely showing up for class and handing in work.  It is more about challenging yourself, and going above and beyond your normal limits to complete an assignment.  I feel that this was necessary to learn now, because this is how a person grows as a student, and more so as an individual.    I saw that you can’t limit yourself to the basic expectations; you need to reach beyond them.   Over the course of the semester I began to understand this, and stopped thinking that a grade was just “owed” to me for the little things, and began wanting to do more for myself to achieve a better grade. This was one of the greatest lesson I think I learned, in that I developed a different mindset when I go about completing an assignment, and as a result I feel I turn in more desirable assignments, and became a better student in the process. 

           One other feat I think I managed to accomplish during the course of the semester was to be open to difficult change.  This would definitely emphasize more the ideas of transitioning from high school to college, as well as acquiring leadership skills.  The class made us juggle many different tasks at the same time.  At the beginning this was very hard to do, and I would just say “this is too hard” or “I can’t believe I have to do this”.  This was merely self-defeat, and made things harder.  We were given tasks that made us run around in a minimal amount of time, and required a lot of thinking.  I hated having to be expected to do such challenging tasks, but now I feel like having to do something hard and accomplish it makes you more confident. I now don’t feel so scared when I teacher tells me that an assignment is going to require more than just an essay, but more self-application.  I have always been very stubborn, but I feel that this class really has done a good job to making me open to new tasks, and accomplishing rough challenges. 

      

      The class not only helped in terms of self-improvement, but also helped me learn much about the resources available to me as well.  We were required on several occasions to go to different locations to complete specific tasks, and this proved to be very useful. I met the people in the library that help me find resources when writing papers, and also where to go to help me get help when I want my papers revised.  This I now feel is critical for optimal success in college and not utilizing these resources is just silly.  I feel very fortunate now to have been required to go to these places and learn what each has to offer, for instance the health center, the library, the enrichment center, as well as my advisor. They all helped me in different ways over the course of the semester, and without being required to go to them would probably not  requirement proves to teach a student several important lessons about what it takes to be a successful individual, and I am proud to have made it this far this semester.  I have learned a lot about myself, and it has been a long, winding road, but I am confident I know how to change myself for success.



The Best Group

      “The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially a part of it.”  ~Charles DeLint

             I have learned a lot more than I expected I would over the course of this semester from my “learning community”.  When I first began the semester I didn’t think I would become close with anyone from this group, simply because I am a commuter and I had so much stress going on from starting something new.  However, this view I would definitely say change, and for the better.  The beginning of the semester was very rough, and I was very unorganized and not living up to my own personal standards.  I then came to realize that the other students in our class were having similar issues, and I wasn’t alone. They were all having similar struggles adjusting to the new environment, and were more than supportive.  I enjoyed getting to know everyone’s personality, and seeing how unique everyone is.  In my town people aren’t very different from one another, so being able to have people with so many differences was very rewarding. I liked how we all got to know the campus together, and complete assignments, even though we were VERY stressed most of the time, as a group.  The people I got to know were a combination of humorous, hardworking, talented, and unique, all traits that I value in people.  It has been a long road this semester, but I can’t believe how much I have come to learn about myself over this long journey.  I will most definitely miss having these people in my classes next semester, and I am very confident that they all will be able to succeed after how I have come to see how confident, creative, and motivated they are. I wish them all the best and hope they get to accomplish the goals they set for themselves, because I know that they all can, if they believe in themselves. 

The Ideal Life

         There are several things I would like to acquire after I graduate from college.  I would like to be able to have a stable job, in the field that I choose, and enjoy doing it. It would be great to have that stability and know that my job wouldn’t be in jeopardy ever.  In addition to this I would want to be able to have the opportunity to move up in position as well, as in being rewarded for hard work, rather than stay in the same position over long periods of time.  I definitely want to be able to have my own house, and be able to support myself, as in paying my own bills. I immediately want to start paying off my college loans as soon as I graduate and get a job as well. It would be a great success if I would have the opportunity to work in a school, preferably close to where I live, because I know it is not always easy to find a job close to home. My overall goal is to be self-reliable, and no longer have to have my parents back me up anymore, this I feel is most necessary because at this time my two younger brothers will be beginning the process that I have just started. Therefore I want to be able to reduce the stress on my family, and this I feel will come in time.  I think that the dream of the “ideal life” can be made true by setting these goals. 

Family Traditions

     It is true that everybody has a memory about food in their lives. We all have our own favorite meals that we enjoy, and one of the most special meals of the year is prepared on Thanksgiving.  I have seen that everyone’s “classic” Thanksgiving dinner is unique.  My family makes two turkeys: one that’s classically prepared in the oven and the other is prepared outside in my dad’s smoker.  This is exclusive I have seen to my family.  However, a close friend of mine described how his Italian grandparents prepare a turkey, but also lasagna and several other pasta dishes for the occasion.  I believe that this is what keeps family traditions going, having special takes on meals that differ family to family.  It is also a very big deal in my family to get up early and all of us help make the food in the morning.  This is something I will never forget because we all are tired and start arguing right away, but it is always funny later when we sit down to enjoy the meal that we all prepared together. 

Importance of Leadership

     It is true that at some point in everyone’s lifetime, they have to step up and be a leader.  This can be a strenuous task, but is essential in numerous situations to get a task done.  The leader is what guides the team, and without this mechanism, leaves them lost and unorganized.  I can remember a brief experience that I had to do just this. In the warmer months, my family volunteers a lot for our local baseball association and the competitive tournaments are held at the very end.  It is very difficult to find volunteers to work the snack bar, which funds most of the money for the organization. As for me, both of my parents are directors for the board, and devote uncountable hours to the volunteer work.  It was the very end of the season, and a full crew was scheduled to come help out for the day. It was the final stage of the competitions, and everyone knows that the money that is made during those games is crucial.  It was unfortunate that the crew didn’t show up, and the only people left to do the job was my dad and I.  My mother was away on business, and the baseball association couldn’t afford the loss, and my dad already had to do enough work out on the fields. I decided it was best that we get organized, set up a list of tasks, and try to sell as much as we could despite the disadvantage. I went myself and made all the food, and went around to all of the fields selling.  The weather was terribly hot, but people really appreciated the effort, and therefore spent the money knowing it was going to a good cause. I was extremely proud that day, knowing that despite the fact that nobody showed up to help we were still able to raise money with what we had, and that was the first time I literally had to think of other options, with money on the line.  This day I learned that you can’t always expect help, and that you have to work with what is thrown at you, because things happen unexpectedly. 

The Necessary Changes

   I’m going to be very honest, when I say that this semester was difficult for me it is no joke.  I found that taking eighteen credits my first semester probably wasn’t the best decision, and learned some very strong lessons.  I found that after the first part of the semester was over, I was struggling to keep afloat, and didn’t know how I would be able to come back from the hole that I was stuck in.  However, at this point I took the initiative to meet with my advisors and reorganize myself immediately. I was so incredibly happy when I was able to sit down with some of the teachers whose classes I was struggling most in, and that I was able to figure out a new game plan to get myself back on track again and this was extremely beneficial.  It seemed at first that I really was stuck in the dark, but then the sun finally came out again. I reorganized every piece of my schoolwork, and began making lists for every day, so there was absolutely no confusion.  I also found myself to be not as stressed once this change was made, and had more time to complete assignments, that before I had no idea how to do.  I really learned what works best for me in terms of organization, and I’m glad I learned this lesson early, and have, made the necessary changes that will prevent me from having the same struggle in the future.

Unaware Learning

“Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.”

    This quote is exactly expressed in the class that really gets my mind going.  Exercise science has really promoted new ways of learning to me that I really never understood in the same way before.  It is true that the majority of people, including myself would never want to willingly write a paper.  However, in this class we are assigned a series of questions that requires us to research a topic and find out for ourselves the answer.  I really didn’t even realize that I was learning anything in this class until I was able to give a full explanation to my teacher contrasting two different state laws, something that to me seemed very complex. Of course when these topics are assigned, I’m the least happy camper around, but I’m glad that I actually am retaining the information that is taught, whether or not I agree with the method. It is therefore proven to me that simply being told the answer doesn’t truly make you understand something, you must apply it yourself.  I also find myself doing lots of puzzle activities in which we break into groups to solve problems. This again I didn’t think was very significant to start off with, but now I find we all get a lot more work done in this fashion, and are able to help each other find answers, a true demonstration of teamwork.  This again is a case of finding out for ourselves that working together to solve problems while applying ourselves is something you must find for yourself. 



Study Spot



      This is the ideal spot for me to study, right outside of the Adanti student center.  On a day of nice weather, it is ideal for sitting and meeting with people, or judge reading over notes.  It is common before I have a math quiz for my class to meet right here, and ask each other questions, then we go inside and go over problems and solve them.  I also like to be outside, so this spot is great for getting fresh air, instead of studying indoors, like most others. In addition, it is right in the middle of where all my classes are, therefore I don’t have to travel very far from this location to anywhere that I have to be, and this is very useful.  I also enjoy the fact that here is right in the middle of where everyone passes by, so I see a lot of people I know throughout the day here.

“There are no regrets in life, just lessons.”

Grade Inflation Discussion

      Tuesday’s class really opened my eyes further to the reality of grade inflation.  The whole idea of what “the average” really is I hadn’t considered as much before.  I believe that grade inflation really has an impact on what determines an average student from the above average student.  This is because students may see that if they work incredibly hard and don’t receive the grades they feel they deserve, they might feel as though it isn’t necessarily worth going through the struggle.  They might feel as though the extra boost of their grade is necessary, and become more reliant on this.  Additionally, I felt the point made in class that if we rely on grade inflation, we will miss out on a big part of our education.  This is because teachers don’t necessarily mean to disregard hard work, but more so offer to challenge students to make them better.  In the end, students should take this challenge for themselves because the end most often will justify the means. 

A Simple Cup of Coffee

      This week as usual, I was bombarded with plenty of assignments that caused my week to be filled with the usual stress. However, I decided (even though it was an assignment), to squeeze in some time to do something that I enjoy.  This was probably something I should have done all along because it is critical to set some time apart from your day for just yourself to avoid getting too worked up.  My anti-stress activity was going to get a cup of coffee with a really close friend of mine.  Since school began there hasn’t much time to really talk to people I’ve been close with, and the time spent was definitely beneficial.  One of the reasons for this was because I got to see how my friend was doing at his school, and realized that his weeks are just as much stress as mine, and he gave me some good tips to organizing my schedule since he more experienced with me.  This helped a lot, because not only did I get some time apart from my studies for myself, but I got to catch up with a close friend who has a much better way of managing things.    

Midterm Change

    This past week has really been a wake-up call for me in terms of my midterm grades.  There are some classes that I feel I really excel in, and these classes I really enjoy.  However, there are some classes that I feel need extra time put in that is necessary for the second half of the semester.  I think that I have finally settled in and gotten a grip on what is necessary for me to do my best.  I also have changed my study habits and strategies, so hopefully my newly found confidence will help me make some changes happen over the course of the next few weeks.  I am glad that midterm week came, because this was necessary for me to assess myself, and make changes where needed.  I feel that I was very overwhelmed with work this first half, and didn’t always take the most time doing the most important things.  This will change, and I am looking forward to the challenge of doing better in the areas I feel I need to.  I also have set a small list of short-term goals, and this approach has me feeling less overwhelmed because I feel as though I accomplish something each day, rather than feeling like a goal is out of reach.  This approach seems to be working, and I already feel as though I am getting back on track once again. 

Out of My Element

    

     Today I decided would be a good day to try out the whole idea of "trying something different”.  It was actually not as bad as I thought it would be.  My math class is a struggle as it seems for most students in my class, and as a whole we all aren’t successfully retaining all of the material being taught to us at the best of our ability.  Therefore, we all decided that today would be a good day to go to the Adante center and review together.  I had seen other students in my class do this before, but never really felt it be my place to just show up. However, after I realized that we all struggled through the midterm, I felt that we all are in the same boat, and that it couldn’t hurt to take a chance.  I found the experience extremely rewarding, and saw that it was better to ask a question to somebody who at one point was just as confused as me.  I also saw that a lot of us had the same questions. I was glad that I went, because not only did I benefit in reviewing for my test tomorrow, I also got to know some other kids in my class better as well, and learned a lot more about them.  I would definitely go again, and we think that Monday is the best day for us all to meet, and hopefully we will all be able to do better in the future because we all work together. 

Grade Inflation, self inflation

     The articles that we were expected to read this week I felt were very informative.  I know that as students we think a lot of times that if we simply show up to class that we deserve credit.  However, I am coming to understand that there is a lot more that it expected of you, and over even the past week have seen that I should expect more of myself.  The articles explained that our generation is narcissistic, and that we all think that we are so good that we stop losing sight of the things that really are important, such as putting the time in and getting the grades.  These articles I’m glad that I read, because over the first part of this semester I really had been struggling, and I had become so used to getting credit for the simple things, and didn’t realize that especially in college, that you have to push yourself because those “simple things” are expected, not rewarded.  I don’t necessarily agree with the point made in the article that employers may not even blink at an application for a student that has a 4.0 because their grade is likely inflated.  This in one respect I do agree that employers should want hard-workers, but in the other I don’t think that a smart person shouldn’t be considered for doing well.  The whole idea behind grade-inflation I think should be diminished, students should get their own grades and not be reliant on someone ALWAYS helping them out, I have recently seen this for myself, and over the next few weeks am hoping to get myself back on the right track because I know that  bigger things are expected of me, and that with the right attitude I will be able to set things straight again. 

A Great Mentor

     Having Kaitlyn as our peer mentor has been a great experience, especially since it is our first year on the campus.  It is really helpful having someone as resourceful as her around and ready with any questions we have.  She makes the beginning of class on Thursdays a lot less stressful, and it is really handy to have someone who has shared our experience before to turn to when things get stressful. I also find that she is also made things seem so much better for us through her optimism. There are many assignments that have come our way that have made many of us ready for an anxiety attack, but Kaitlyn really turns our day back around when she explains the meaning of the assignments in a more understanding way.  I find it extremely helpful that she is always up to date on events going on at the campus, as well as where things are located.  I feel very fortunate to have had such a great mentor and couldn’t do enough to thank her for the time she has put in with us,

                                                                                                                             

THANK YOU KAITLYN!!!!

My Major

     The major that I chose was exercise science.  There is a very interesting story behind how I came to choose this major.  During my junior year, my mother pressured me into starting to look for a direction for my future, and I definitely agreed.  This was the time that I began thinking about my own personal strengths and weaknesses and what types of things I enjoyed doing.  At the same time as this was happening I began going to open houses for college, and immediately at Southern the program struck me.  I knew that originally I didn’t want a desk job, I wanted something active, and therefore this major was the right fit for me.  Also, Professor Gary Morin was extremely knowledgeable and even allowed me to shadow him this past fall in his program.  This really impressed me and I really enjoyed taking part in researching the major before I just decided to do it.  I now feel the same way  I did as when I first found out about the major,  in that it is a lot of hard work, but fun, and fits who I am best.     

A Good Blog is...

    There are several elements that I feel make up a “good” blog post.  For one, I feel as if the language flows correctly, and sounds as if the time has been put in, the blog will be more captivating to read.  Also, the extra use of quotes I have seen has made a big difference in the quality of the blogs that I have viewed.  After discussing different blogs this week my view has definitely changed about how different blogs can be, yet interesting and sufficient.  One other element that I find crucial to a good blog post would be unique ideas that make each person’s blog different.  This is probably one of the most important parts of a blog because each person has their own ideas and it makes blogging more creative.  The other part of blogging that makes a difference to me is having a well thought-out topic.  This is important because when the ideas are there, the blog becomes more interesting to read.

Important Event

 

       I know that every week there are several events that take place on the campus at SCSU.  However, with my schedule, and the fact that I am a commuter makes it a struggle to take any more time to be away from home.  This is why the event that I attended that sticks out most to me was one that occurred over welcoming weekend.  I arrived at the campus to see people shuffling into the Lyman center, and I myself had no idea what was going on.  As I watched I realized that a comedian put on a show that was phenomenal.  She took on the roles of several different peoples’ backgrounds, and then she attempted to give us all some insight as to how we are all different but have one thing in common: that we would all be attending our first semester as SCSU together.  This is really the first time that true diversity was presented to me in such a matter.  This presentation definitely stuck out to me more than any others so far. 

Beginning the Project

        There are several different questions that I came to thinking about as soon as we were assigned the new project for INQ.  The first part was thinking about what topic I was going to choose, and then branching off from the topic would lead to several different questions to interview.  I chose “time management”, since this is something that I struggle with every week.  I plan to inquire people I interview about what strategies best work for them in terms of this topic, and if everyone’s plan is different.  I would also like to see if time management is more of a struggle for a commuter versus someone who lives on campus.  I happen to think that this is a bigger struggle for a commuter because all your necessary materials aren’t always within arm’s reach, and this is definitely a struggle for me.  It will be very interesting to see what other people’s thoughts are about this topic in the next upcoming week.

The Start of a New Week

     I am anxiously awaiting the start of a new week at SCSU. I have to admit, that the first couple of weeks were definitely a challenge, from parking to organizing my time, I definitely needed to get myself together for the start of the new year. I since have bought myself a planner, and this has come in handy to post all of my upcoming due dates, as well as events that I need to be prepared for. This has helped very much with organizing my days. I also have gotten used to the way my schedule works, and things are starting to become easier in terms of starting the days off right. One other change I have since made would be that I get all of the things I need for the upcoming day together at night, and therefore my morning commute isn’t so stressful. This has been a big help, since the last couple of weeks I found myself struggling to have the necessary materials I need within reach at the right time. This week I have so much going on, and I have begun planning the tasks that will come first, and therefore it makes the anxiety level a bit lower at the beginning. I have my first couple of projects due, as well as some quizzes that will be coming my way, and will be sure to find time to be prepared for all of them. This week is sure to bring a lot my way!!!

New Challenges

      There were several obstacles I faced in the first week of college. At the very start it was a challenge to be on time for classes due to the commute I had to endure with all the construction along the way. I also found it very challenging to find ways to balance my time. Time is crucial, and I value it a lot more now than I have ever before. It is common for me to be writing every event in my planner, as well as organizing my notes constantly throughout the day. I have never pushed myself so hard in a day before, in that on Tuesdays and Thursdays I start my day at five in the morning and don’t stop working until the late hours of the night. I now am learning more and more every day about time management, as well as what my priorities are. It also is very helpful that I plan long term what I will be working on, therefore I don’t find myself bombarded with work at the last minute. However, it has also been difficult adjusting to the new environment for a few reasons. For one, I am completely on my own, and am a good distance from my home every day now. This makes it difficult to predict when I will have time in my schedule to make the drive to be with my family. This is yet again another example of a time management responsibility. However, things are still settling in and I know that nothing worth accomplishing is ever easy.

Beginning at SCSU

For me, college opens up a whole new world to higher level thinking. I believe it is a time where thoughts and ideas are given room to grow, and critical thinking becomes more I important than ever before. When beginning college it is intimidating because you don’t know what to expect, but I think I will settle in just fine and realize that there are so many opportunities in front of me. I plan on taking the time to attend many important events for SCSU, including sporting events. I so far have been able to develop friendly relationships with people I have met, including some very welcoming professors. I know that at SCSU this will continue over the next few years, and more and more people will enter my life. I look forward to taking classes that will add more to the education I have already received, and know it will require a lot of work. In the future at SCSU I know that balancing my schedule will also be a challenge, but will be something I will have to learn to face. College will also be the place where I begin to handle things solely on my own, and I know that this will also be very difficult at first, but I will adjust over time. I am very excited about beginning something new in college, and I am anxious to see what the future brings me. I know every day I am learning something new and SCSU has already opened up several doors for me, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Ways to Describe Me

             There are several ways that I could be described. First, I would definitely say that one of my stronger traits would be my determination. I have always strived to accomplish more than i have previously, and this has always been something that helps me with my school career. The other characteristic that comes directly to mind would be that I am extremely loyal, and I have always felt that this was extremely important when it comes to trusting people in your life. I always make sure that I keep to my word because I can understand how it feels when other people don’t. Another word that depicts who I am would be ambitious, and I believe hard work is an important part of becoming who you want to be. I have always wanted to be better with everything that I do. One other way to demonstrate who I am would be honesty. This is also very important for several different reasons, most importantly so people can understand each other clearly. Honesty I believe is valued in the best people, and I hope most people realize this as well. The last word I would use to describe myself would be optimistic. It is important to always keep your head up at the end of the day, because there is always another one coming. I feel it is important to make the most of each day, and leave your mark while you are here. The right attitude is the first step to success.