Truthfully, I think I have learned the most valuable information from the ENR Seminar classes this past year. I think the knowledge I have gained from this class specifically will be more meaningful to me longer than anything from General Chemistry or Calculus 1 in terms of life overall. The important things about safety, survival, the basics of the wilderness and professional life, too, is information nobody seems to teach, but you are expected to know a lot of it as general knowledge.
Something I learned outside the classroom is what many people tell you, that college is not 100% about school. A big chunk of it is for sure, however there are a lot of new experiences to gain, new friends to meet, and it’s a time to find who you really are and what you want to become. This time in our life at this age is, as I have heard and am starting to realize for myself, the best and most fun years to enjoy. To make mistakes, to learn in and out of class, to be whatever you want to be. As cheesy as it may sound, it is absolutely true.
I have seen a gradual change in my habits over the past school year. I have noticed that, if we are being honest here, I have not put as much effort into studying like I should have these past two semesters. I am starting to learn what works and what doesn’t work for me, and I’m slowly starting to incorporate those ideas that work better. The most important thing I have learned about myself recently is that I know what I need to improve on in terms of notetaking and exam studying. I know where my weak points as a student are, and as I adapt to college life, I am aware of the things I need to do to compete better academically in the intense world of engineering.
Bringing out the memory bank for this question. There have been so many good memories that have been created over the past few months, and it’s impossible to choose just one. Thinking about a specific memory, over the first instructional break a group of people that I live with on my floor drove to Indiana Dunes National Park (pandemic rules followed the entire time). In my days, I have been to many parks with my family, however going on a trip like that with friends was a memory that I will never forget. We got to play around in the snow, hike a bit, and even walk on part of Lake Michigan where it had frozen over. The energy that was created was immaculate, and it brought my roommate Rachel and I closer together, being the only girls to go out of six boys (woman power!).
Thinking more about the previous prompt, I felt the need to add this section in. I feel so incredibly lucky to have moved into the dorm barely knowing anyone, and that I can have the opportunity move out with an entire crew of new forever friends. I have absolutely loved living with these students; getting to struggle together in tough classes, watch endless episodes of shows and movies, relax and adventure with the best people I could ever ask for. The best part is that none of this would be possible without the connection through ENR Scholars. I could go on and on about how incredible this program is, but one of the most lasting impacts it has had on my life is that it has allowed me to meet so many incredible people that I admire and care so much about.
Looking ahead at next year, I cannot wait to have in person classes, activities, and to experience ENR Scholars events to their full potential. I am also looking forward to being a Community Coordinator for the program with one of my friends from my suite (hi Erin! go Defenders!). I think that role will be as enjoyable as it is necessary to gaining leadership and experience in a position like that. To say the least, I am so excited to see what the future will hold for next fall!