2015-2016
When I first moved into my dorm, I was very excited to be away from my small hometown and starting the next chapter of my life. Shortly after I was completely unpacked, I realized I still rely on my friends and family, especially my parents, more than I may have expected. For the first time, I truly felt homesick. Realizing that I still rely on my family taught me to appreciate my time at home more.
This year I learned that not everybody turns out to be as they seem. Initially, I had great relationships and remarkable first impressions with the first people I met on campus while I hadn’t even bothered to become friends with my roommate. At the end of the year, my roommate turned out to be a better person and friend than the ones I thought would be my closest companions.
When I began to study for my first final exams, I learned what being stressed out genuinely felt like. I learned that being stressed led me to procrastinate so I also learned how to motivate myself and avoid stalling. I learned when I am most productive and when I need to simply relax.
One of the most important things I learned is that I am capable of much more than I imagined. I was able to accomplish more academically and personally than I thought possible. I imagined my classes taking over my life and leaving little room for a social life. I set a goal for myself to achieve a 3.5 GPA and I was proud to finish with a 4.0 instead. I started the year thinking I would run occasionally to stay in shape and was overjoyed when I finished my first half marathon shortly after the year was over.
Some of the best relationships I developed this year were with my learning community friends. My friends helped me to become an even better version of myself by showing me each of their best qualities: Sam showed me how to let loose and embrace being myself, Lily taught me to laugh as much as possible and not take myself too seriously, Amy demonstrated dressing for success and what a good listener looks like, and Robin was always there to never pass judgment and disregard any judgment placed on her.
My peer leader Paige introduced me to more opportunities and facilities on campus than I could have imagined and always made me feel welcome.
My academic advisor Lauren provided great support, helped me realize my academic goals, suggested how to stay well rounded, and provided letters of recommendation.
This year I tried to use my gifts and talents with Bearcat Buddies, the Ronald McDonald House, and Marion City Schools’ food service department.
In the upcoming year, I would advise myself to turn off all devices as I walk into lecture, rewrite notes, record professors if necessary, schedule time to study and prepare for class, and read the text. I would tell myself to ask professors any questions if something isn’t understood. In my personal life, I would advise myself to stay balanced with work, school, and free time.
Initially, I was very interested in dietetics but I had no specific end goal in mind. I evolved my plan by picking up a psychology minor, to possibly help children with eating disorders. After working with children as much as possible in volunteer positions, I realized that I do like working with youth and would be interested in having a career based in pediatrics. The next steps include continuing in my major, working with kids even more, seeking opportunities working with eating disorders, and exploring clinical settings that I could work in.
In the future, I will use my knowledge to tutor kids that need it because I have had an amazing volunteer experience with Bearcat Buddies. Also, I plan on working in hospital working with children that need to learn how to eat properly due to obesity or a psychological disorder. I also want to incorporate a community nutrition aspect to my future by providing nutrition and cooking classes to those in the community.
This year I learned that not everybody turns out to be as they seem. Initially, I had great relationships and remarkable first impressions with the first people I met on campus while I hadn’t even bothered to become friends with my roommate. At the end of the year, my roommate turned out to be a better person and friend than the ones I thought would be my closest companions.
When I began to study for my first final exams, I learned what being stressed out genuinely felt like. I learned that being stressed led me to procrastinate so I also learned how to motivate myself and avoid stalling. I learned when I am most productive and when I need to simply relax.
One of the most important things I learned is that I am capable of much more than I imagined. I was able to accomplish more academically and personally than I thought possible. I imagined my classes taking over my life and leaving little room for a social life. I set a goal for myself to achieve a 3.5 GPA and I was proud to finish with a 4.0 instead. I started the year thinking I would run occasionally to stay in shape and was overjoyed when I finished my first half marathon shortly after the year was over.
Some of the best relationships I developed this year were with my learning community friends. My friends helped me to become an even better version of myself by showing me each of their best qualities: Sam showed me how to let loose and embrace being myself, Lily taught me to laugh as much as possible and not take myself too seriously, Amy demonstrated dressing for success and what a good listener looks like, and Robin was always there to never pass judgment and disregard any judgment placed on her.
My peer leader Paige introduced me to more opportunities and facilities on campus than I could have imagined and always made me feel welcome.
My academic advisor Lauren provided great support, helped me realize my academic goals, suggested how to stay well rounded, and provided letters of recommendation.
This year I tried to use my gifts and talents with Bearcat Buddies, the Ronald McDonald House, and Marion City Schools’ food service department.
In the upcoming year, I would advise myself to turn off all devices as I walk into lecture, rewrite notes, record professors if necessary, schedule time to study and prepare for class, and read the text. I would tell myself to ask professors any questions if something isn’t understood. In my personal life, I would advise myself to stay balanced with work, school, and free time.
Initially, I was very interested in dietetics but I had no specific end goal in mind. I evolved my plan by picking up a psychology minor, to possibly help children with eating disorders. After working with children as much as possible in volunteer positions, I realized that I do like working with youth and would be interested in having a career based in pediatrics. The next steps include continuing in my major, working with kids even more, seeking opportunities working with eating disorders, and exploring clinical settings that I could work in.
In the future, I will use my knowledge to tutor kids that need it because I have had an amazing volunteer experience with Bearcat Buddies. Also, I plan on working in hospital working with children that need to learn how to eat properly due to obesity or a psychological disorder. I also want to incorporate a community nutrition aspect to my future by providing nutrition and cooking classes to those in the community.