Semester Reflections

SEMESTER 1

This first semester started off rough, and is now finishing strong. Throughout this semester I was able to meet many new people while engaging in many activities and projects thanks to the scholars program.

Transitioning from Highschool into college was tough, especially when I had to abandon a lot of the friendships made during those years. As I moved into my life at Bel-air hall, I was able to meet more friends than I expected. Being so close to others, I was able to connect with them in places I'd never thought I would (the bathroom, the lounge, just out the shower..etc.) With the only tough thing being the distance from home. Now my family calls me every once and a while to check in. 

The workload was within my expectations, the only thing that really had me stressing was this 5-week course I took in the beginning of the semester. College taught me that all those AP classes I took in highschool really were preparing me for college, (those teachers always said it but I never believed them.) Despite this, college work really is tough, and finals are a whole other story. Having a final project/exam at the end is a really big and stressful change from highschool.

The art scholar class was really fun and exciting. Learning about the different types of art, while also learning to see art subjectively made it interesting. At the beginning of the semester, ill never forget the day when we volunteered. The excitement of doing good for the community while also experiencing something totally new was so much fun! Along with this, the craft and chats were much fun as well! The TA’s were always so nice, and it was really cool to learn how much equipment we had in Bel-Air.

Easily the most interesting/enternating class we had was the lesson from the poet and the bassist. I really enjoyed their act on a different level. While on the outside it might have seen like a small lesson, I really took in what they taught me. Art can be subjective, and plain things can be made spicy with just some jazz. I can apply this in real life by understanding how important creativity is.

As ive talked about it earlier in this reflection, the biggest challenge i faced in the beginning was the 5 week math course I took. It forced me to be ahead of all my classes while acing every test to remain in the course itself. It put me through one of the most stressful times i've had in a while. Almost to a point where I was close to dropping the scholars class (I'm happy I didn't.) Talking with Heather and the TA’s I was able to make my work up, and ultimately pass the scholars class. This taught me about time management and commitment. “Anything is possible with the right mindset!” That's the motto I'll go by for the next semester. As well as now understanding what classes to take and which classes not to take. Next semester will be fun now that I went through the most in the first.