Year in Review- Freshmen Year
Part 1: So What?
One of the most important things I learned this year was getting along with and forming relationships with people who are different than I am. I encountered this in several situations this year. I chose to live with three random roommates, and entered the year not knowing anything beyond basic information about the people I would be living with for the next year. We all had very different majors, families, high school experiences, and interests, but got along well and became friends over the course of the year. In fact, I’m living with my immediate roommate, Emma, next year. As our majors have no coursework in common, I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with her without being her roommate, and now she is one of my best friends. I also got to interact with a variety of people when I studied abroad with the Honors program over spring break to Paris. At the end of this class, everyone presented their own project on Paris. I loved to see the talents and passions of students in the Honors program across different colleges and majors, from artists to chefs to historians to scientists, all presenting a different perspective on the trip and the city of Paris. This helped me to learn and think about things in a way my own perspective wouldn’t have allowed. Another significant event I learned from was joining a sorority. I learned a lot about Greek life. One stereotype surrounding Greek life is that everyone is the same. I learned this is absolutely not true. I found myself part of a very diverse group of women, from whom I can learn a lot.
Part II: Now What?
A piece of advice I would give myself for the upcoming year is don’t be afraid to get involved. I have become involved in several organizations, from my sorority to Bearcat Buddies and the neuroscience club, but I have been involved in an observational role, rather than a leadership role. I want to encourage myself to step up and become more deeply involved in the things I enjoy being a part of. A goal I have for myself this year is to seek help before I’m struggling in my more difficult classes. My second year on the premed track will be more difficult than the last, and I aim to hold myself accountable to truly understand the material, not just well enough to get by in class. This year, I learned that I love tutoring in Bearcat Buddies, especially in a one on one situation. I really enjoyed developing a connection with the student I tutored this past semester. I enjoyed hearing about her life, and telling her about mine. I am excited to continue that relationship next year.
Part 1: So What?
One of the most important things I learned this year was getting along with and forming relationships with people who are different than I am. I encountered this in several situations this year. I chose to live with three random roommates, and entered the year not knowing anything beyond basic information about the people I would be living with for the next year. We all had very different majors, families, high school experiences, and interests, but got along well and became friends over the course of the year. In fact, I’m living with my immediate roommate, Emma, next year. As our majors have no coursework in common, I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with her without being her roommate, and now she is one of my best friends. I also got to interact with a variety of people when I studied abroad with the Honors program over spring break to Paris. At the end of this class, everyone presented their own project on Paris. I loved to see the talents and passions of students in the Honors program across different colleges and majors, from artists to chefs to historians to scientists, all presenting a different perspective on the trip and the city of Paris. This helped me to learn and think about things in a way my own perspective wouldn’t have allowed. Another significant event I learned from was joining a sorority. I learned a lot about Greek life. One stereotype surrounding Greek life is that everyone is the same. I learned this is absolutely not true. I found myself part of a very diverse group of women, from whom I can learn a lot.
Part II: Now What?
A piece of advice I would give myself for the upcoming year is don’t be afraid to get involved. I have become involved in several organizations, from my sorority to Bearcat Buddies and the neuroscience club, but I have been involved in an observational role, rather than a leadership role. I want to encourage myself to step up and become more deeply involved in the things I enjoy being a part of. A goal I have for myself this year is to seek help before I’m struggling in my more difficult classes. My second year on the premed track will be more difficult than the last, and I aim to hold myself accountable to truly understand the material, not just well enough to get by in class. This year, I learned that I love tutoring in Bearcat Buddies, especially in a one on one situation. I really enjoyed developing a connection with the student I tutored this past semester. I enjoyed hearing about her life, and telling her about mine. I am excited to continue that relationship next year.