Freshman Year
2022-2023
My college career couldn't have had a better beginning. This year provided many opportunities for growth and improvement in my social, academic, and professional skills. In the beginning, I struggled with being comfortable approaching others and starting to make those connections. As I began to be around people with the same hobbies and interests as me, it allowed me to be more comfortable starting conversations and finding unique connections. Now that I have begun the reflection process it's easier to compare how I acted at the beginning of the year and currently, especially being more aware of how many friends I have made over the year. I also became more able to make those professional/academic connections with my professors, especially in my spring semester, as I felt that I missed out on opportunities and the advice I benefited from in my fall semester. So far, this environment has allowed me to improve and focus on my future here at UC and even further.
The fall semester of my freshman year acted as a wake-up call for myself and my academic effort. Despite feeling positive about my work and effort throughout the semester, my grades told a different story. Due to my struggles in chemistry and my chemistry lab, I visited MASS Center and booked peer tutoring. These resources helped me understand and grasp the concepts more. I believe that this self-awareness and change in my study habits show resilience. I also knew that I needed to do more during my spring semester to maintain my GPA, and that's exactly what I did. My spring semester allowed me to try different habits and follow my professor's advice about reaching out to the TAs and attending office hours. To see a change in my GPA and my commitments towards the University's Honors Program and the Turner Scholars program, I rebuilt my confidence to reach these goals.
This transition in my study habits and behaviors required me to put myself out there more often and learn that it's okay to ask for help. My academic career showed genuine results, I felt that my social abilities were improving every day. I know that the change feels tremendous and has built a newfound confidence in myself that was lacking in high school. Throughout high school, I felt insecure and unsure of my abilities hence I tended to go with the motions, not taking opportunities despite the risks. This first year at UC has shown me that I cannot hide in the shadows of others but will put my best foot forward in everything I do, even if I might fail. The resources at UC have allowed me to build a network of mentors and advisors I know I can rely on if I have any questions or concerns. As we close out this year and I am stepping into a new semester, I know that these new skills and growth will continue to flourish if I am willing to focus on the work.
