Year One: 2015-2016
My first year was quite a whirlwind, as I'm sure the first year of college is for just about all students. Some of the highs include: becoming a Darwin T. Turner Scholar and Honors Ambassador, participating in the UC Bearcat Marching Band, and adding on History as an additional major with Anthropology. I finished the year with a cumulative GPA of 3.9, making both myself and my parents extremely proud. Another high point for me for the year includes some of my courses. Honors Intermediate Composition helped me to hone in on my writing, research, and analytical skills in ways that no other course I have taken has, and my introductory Anthropology courses have helped me to narrow down what path I would like to take with the major. I have also become more involved with activities within the major, including going to lecture and discussion events and attending a movie showing for World Anthropology Day.
Despite the highs of my first year, there were, of course, lows. With all of the activities I was involved in, time management quickly became an issue that I found myself trying to overcome. In both semesters, I was attempting to balance responsibilities from all ends-- academically, financially, and in my family life. Things became tumultuous in November when two close family members passed away, and the holiday season was hard. I knew that come Spring Semester, I really needed to evaluate my priorities.
One of the biggest conclusions that I came to was that I needed to prioritize my activities, taking into account how much I enjoy them and how they will benefit me in the long run. Perhaps the hardest decision I have had to make is to not participate in the marching band next academic year. Having been in band since the fifth grade, leaving behind the camaraderie and performances associated with marching band is a decision that I know is going to be hard for me, but will benefit me in the long-run. Rather than putting a majority of my effort into the marching band, I have decided to add another major, History, and prioritize my new leadership roles in the Darwin T. Turner Scholars and Honors Ambassador Program. I am hoping to participate more in both of my majors and begin to do my own research.
As I continue on to my second year at UC, I am more than excited and hopeful for what the new year will bring!
Despite the highs of my first year, there were, of course, lows. With all of the activities I was involved in, time management quickly became an issue that I found myself trying to overcome. In both semesters, I was attempting to balance responsibilities from all ends-- academically, financially, and in my family life. Things became tumultuous in November when two close family members passed away, and the holiday season was hard. I knew that come Spring Semester, I really needed to evaluate my priorities.
One of the biggest conclusions that I came to was that I needed to prioritize my activities, taking into account how much I enjoy them and how they will benefit me in the long run. Perhaps the hardest decision I have had to make is to not participate in the marching band next academic year. Having been in band since the fifth grade, leaving behind the camaraderie and performances associated with marching band is a decision that I know is going to be hard for me, but will benefit me in the long-run. Rather than putting a majority of my effort into the marching band, I have decided to add another major, History, and prioritize my new leadership roles in the Darwin T. Turner Scholars and Honors Ambassador Program. I am hoping to participate more in both of my majors and begin to do my own research.
As I continue on to my second year at UC, I am more than excited and hopeful for what the new year will bring!