This is has been one rough semester here at Ohio State. I mean ROUGH. And the word “rough” is actually a nice way of putting it. Another way to describe my experience this semster is to compare it to a REALLY BAD roller coaster that I cannot seem to get off of. If I am being honest this has been one of the hardest times I’ve ever had in my life: academically, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I will not sit here and type this reflection and lie to everyone. Every other person will tell you that college is amazing and “so much fun”. They will tell you that their experience has been the best experience of their lives and that they are enjoying college. I am not that person. Some of them may be telling the truth, but let’s be honest: college is HARD. It is not easy by any means.
Academically and mentally (and emotionally), I believe what has made this semester difficult is because of the classes I am taking. I am failing Calculus currently and will have to retake the class in the summer. Chemistry has not been too hard, but it is a lot of work and a highly demanding course. Because of the effort I have put into Chemistry I have not been able to truly focus on Calculus. This has become a problem because Calculus actually requires more of my attention since I struggle more with it. I never took Calc in highschool, so compared to other students I am extremely behind. Everything we have gone over has been completely new concepts and ideas that I have never seen before in my life.
At the beginning of the semester up until the halfway point, I was struggling physically as well. I lacked sleep, often going to bed at 1,2, and sometimes 3 or 4 in the morning. Because I was struggling academically it took a toll on my sleep and my health. My usual eating routine became scrambled and I would often go up to 12 hours without having a bite to eat. Because of the lack of sleep and food consumption I often received headaches. Obviously this is a very unhealthy habit. Now my eating schedule is back to normal. However, because I have gotten used to being up late, I still don’t usually go to bed until 1am. Overall, though, my physical health has improved.
Looking at all the struggles, all the obstacles, and all the ups and downs I have gone through this semester, it is funny to say that I am actually okay with all of it. Why would I say something like this? Because I know that my struggles make me a better person and student in the long run. I know that my struggles right now will not last forever. I know that I am not unintelligent and that my current grades do not define who I am as a person or who I will be in the future. If you are a college student reading this, or just any person going through struggles, do not let your current succes define your future success. Keep striving for greatness, because your failures will make you great!
