This past year, my freshman year, I have grown so much academically and personally. I have learned more about what I want to do with my life and how I will come back into my second year of college stronger than before! So many exciting and wonderful things have happened this year.

1. I changed my major! I never thought I would end up changing my major but I did! Life really does surprise you and it has helped me to learn to be more flexible. My longterm goal remains the same (occupational therapy) but I switched my major from ‘health sciences’ to ‘human development and family science’ (or HDFS). I am very happy that I have switched my major and I think it will be more beneficial in the long run.
2. I have learned about mindfulness! This is now something that I am so proud to be been taught and I try to incorporate it into my life. I learned about it in a half semester course and I think it ultimately changed my life. I feel so much more at peace with myself. I am not perfect at it because it is a work in progress but ultimately so worth it! Through this I have tried meditation and yoga and both are defiantly worth a try! Here is a link on mindfulness if you want to learn more: https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/
3. I have also learned to ask for help more. My second semester I started going to Wellness Coaching once every other week. I can ultimately say that talking about my feelings and getting my stressful emotions off my chest has helped more than anything. My coach was such an amazing person (shoutout Tommy!) and he talked me through my stressful emotions. One thing that was super helpful was the gratitude journal I was given. Every other day I write 3 things I am thankful for and this has helped me to stop and count my blessings. Another thing I tried was Academic Coaching in the Younkin Success Center. I went to learn more studying strategies to help me score higher on my tests and through this my test anxiety has decreased and I feel more confident in my ability to test.
4. Get Involved! I am currently in Buckeyes Give a Break and involved in my Health Science Scholars community. I have done service with all three and met some great people. I am looking forward to getting more involved this upcoming year because I know what I can handle now! I cannot wait for more opportunities to grow and learn through the clubs and organizations here at OSU.