Sophomore year was a challenge for me, but it helped me grow as a student and as a person. I took some of my most challenging classes this year including Organic and Analytical Chemistry. These classes really forced me to learn how to study strategically and effectively. I also had to re-evaluate my priorities. I spent a lot of time studying and hanging out with very close friends. This year I had the choice to sink or swim, and I chose to swim despite the hard work it required.

I am almost done with the first semester of my freshman year of college. The only obstacle between me and winter break is finals, and I am not as nervous as predicted. At the beginning of the semester, I did very poorly on my first math midterm. I was extremely disappointed in myself; I knew I had to do something different to prepare for the next midterm. I tried some different study methods and kept up with the class and my score on the second midterm definitely reflected my hard work. Now that I know what I need to do to prepare myself for exams, I am confident in my ability to do well on finals. I thoroughly plan on  applying this newfound studying knowledge to every class I take in the future and sharing it with my friends if they are struggling in a class. This semester has helped me grow not only academically, but also socially. Volunteering through the Biological Sciences Scholars Program has helped me become more socially aware. Overall, my first semester of college has been an amazing experience!