Over the course of my first semester here at The Ohio State University, I have grown in many positive ways as a person. In my Scholars Seminar, we discussed the differences between a fixed and growth mindset. We also spoke at length about how a mindset is flexible and completely changeable if the effort is put in to do so. I was very interested by this as I love dissecting the way people think and react to situations. So as I looked back on this semester, I realize I, like the rest of my peers, have approached life from both growth and fixed mindsets based on the situation. I’ve encountered obstacles throughout the semester and I’ve seen within myself a change in my mentality, without ever using the terms growth and fixed mindset. I struggled with chemistry after the first review portions of the course and started to fall into a fixed mindset, seeing the course as a completely uphill battle on Everest. However, after struggling with motivating myself, I started to actively work to ensure that I was making an effort every day, even if it was small. Then every day, I did more. I realized that I was completely capable of comprehending the chemistry material I was being taught and that if I put in the effort, I would be capable of performing well. As I changed my mindset for this course, I began to see other changes within my everyday life. I was completing all my other assignments more efficiently, I was getting more sleep, and I was taking more personal time. My first semester allowed me the time to fully transition into the college swing of things and find my rhythm within the large university I call home.
Month: November 2018
MyIntent Bracelet
I started playing volleyball in the 5th grade and never looked back. I fell in love with the sport: the competition, the adrenaline, the strategy, the wins, and the losses. Although being in season year-round took its toll, I sprained my ankle my freshman year of high school and had a plethora of other related injuries. I have been in physical therapy for what’s going on four years now. This past March, I had surgery on my ankle to stabilize the ligaments and hopefully be the turn of a chapter in my life. As fate would have it, the surgery did not go as smoothly as I had hoped and there were a few complications that caused my recovery to be delayed. I am still recovering eight months later. I am fighting to heal my body. When I received the email from OSU’s Honors & Scholars program to choose a word for a MyIntent bracelet, I knew my word. Overcome. I am overcoming the limitations on my body from previous injuries. I am overcoming the complications caused by my surgery. I am overcoming the mental toll of being a year-round athlete turned physical therapy patient. I am and I always will overcome. The challenges I have faced have shown me that the limitations I have are a matter of perspective. Just recently I played beach volleyball for the first time in over a year, and it was the most rewarding, satisfying, and emotional hour and a half. My bracelet is a constant reminder that I can make anything happen if I am determined enough and committed enough to seeing my goal to fruition.