Semester Reflections

Semester 1

My Reflection

My life as a  freshman at the University of Maryland has been interesting. I have experienced many things this year. When I was in high school my envision on it was the same and I expected everything like this to happen. The way that I have connected with my peers is that since we are in the same program, we have similars interests. Usually I have made friends within my residence hall (Bel Air) but I have made some friends in Centreville and Cumberland. However, I have lost friends within the Cambridge Community and gained friends elsewhere. I have realized that during freshman year, people just want to find their people and to be friends with people they meet but you really have to calm down and think about whether this person is meant to be your friend. People come and go and that is how life rolls, so in the future my expectations for people is gonna be very low and that is how I will see it as I continue to find my people who will be my friends for life. 

Regarding coursework, I have expected it the be the way that it was. My experience with my semester classes has been up and down. in the beginning, I thought I was doing the wrong things. One major thing that was different is in bigger lecture classes, the TA's are the ones that grade work and my other classes like math and english were graded by the professors. The workload that I got wasn't too bad since I only took 13 credits this semester. Another big change is that I changed my major from Psychology to PHPE- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. When I did my major change, it was the best thing that I could've done for myself because I wasn't interested in psychology ever and I realized that when I did some reflection. The expectations of me by psychology was a little overwhelming for me as well and Philosophy was something that I have always been interested in, The I heard about PHPE and after research and prayer, I made the change. 

My expectation for CPSA100 were kind of low. Initially, I thought we were just going to create art nonstop, I wasn't expecting us to have TA's and to have discussions most of the time about art. All of the field trips and guest appearances that we had were really interesting and I appreciate this class for giving us the opportunity to explore and see what the arts is about. I didn't really understand service day and why we had to do it literally a day after we moved into campus and wake up early for it. I understand that it is about serving your community but what does it have to do specifically with arts? I enjoyed the vogue dancing we did and the Library of Congress field trip that I went to.

I think the most provoking thing in Arts Scholars was the vogue dancing we did. It was a great way for people to get their bodies moving and everyone was able to show how they truly were through it. I like moving my body and I learned that it doesn't matter what people think about you as long as you are comfortable in your own skin that is what matters. 

Finally, I think one of the biggest challenges I faced this semester was adjusting to my new lifestyle. To go to the gym early and to walk long distances to my classes and then to make time for my personal life. Another challenge that I faced was losing friends and a relationship, to lose someone that you thought was going to have your back no matter what is heartbreaking, even the people that said they love you and gave you a hug to show their appreciating for you. Deep down, people are not who they seem and it was really hard to come to terms with this reality. I ave also been struggling with my spiritual journey as a practicing Christian. However, I did not let these things stop my grind, In have been more serious about my faith and that has helped me get through days, weeks, and months which I am grateful for. As I am entering 2024 and into my 20th year (I'm turning 20) as  I am maturing, I am slowly learning what will take my energy and to focus on myself and my faith and to have low expectations when it comes to people and relationship, friendships etc. That way, I won't let these things get to me anymore.