I would like to try 10 new things by the end of the year. It can be anything, from taking a course in something new, to just trying to talk to someone on the Mbus unprompted. Throughout my life, I was always in my comfort zone and never ventured out of it. I believe this will help me develop as a person and discover new interests.
I want to be in at least two clubs that I attend regularly throughout the semester. I aim to have one club that focuses on giving back to the community. I want to be consistent in my efforts in the club and to go above and beyond. This is a great way to find what I am truly interested in and help explore those interests in depth.
Another goal is that I aim to learn how to make study guides and a study method that best suits me by the end of September 2023. In college, there is less structure in coursework, homework, and how to study. By learning these skills, my academics will improve and I will be more efficient with my time.
My last goal is to establish a small network of friends, classmates, and UM faculty (Professors, GSI, etc.) to not only combat loneliness, but to also make my life more fulfilling. My deadline for this goal is lax, but ultimately, I would like to be done before winter break. A small network consists of 20-30 people for me. Connections are crucial to succeeding in both academics and as a person.
I hope to make at least 3 professors that I am willing to talk to outside of class and that I am comfortable enough to ask for letters of recommendation by the time I graduate.
I would like to be a president for a club that focuses on social good and expanded it to other states if it was not already. This is a good way to give back to the community that has aided me and to further my own initiatives and passions for social justice.
I want to have completed my major requirements and a minor that I am passionate about, whether that is computer science, chemistry, or anything else. I want to gain a near complete comprehension of my classes and can apply those concepts learned to real life applications easily and without asking for help.
In 5 years, I want to have a job at a company, preferably non-profit, that allows me decent autonomy and health benefits. The job would allow me to live relatively comfortably and allow me to go to grad school on the side.
In 5-10 years, I would like to continue my education and get at least a Master’s in or related to my undergraduate degree. Completing the degree will most likely give me a sense of fulfillment and open up more opportunities both intellectually and career-wise.
In 7 years, I would like to be able to support my family financially and personally. By then, I hope to have my ideal job which will allow me to spend more time with my family and take them on vacation. During my childhood, we never had time to go on vacations due to our lack of finances and excess of work.
Pulling It All Together:
Many of my long and intermediate goals are continuations and expansions of my short-term goals. My short term goals open up opportunities for me to make progress on my intermediate goals which then helps me build my long term goals.