Reflection Jan 2017

Spring semester is already in full swing.  I ordered my cap and gown today, which is bittersweet but exciting to think about.  So far this semester has been going well, other than finding out my asthma has worsened and I now have to take a preventative inhaler in addition to a rescue inhaler.  On the bright side, I haven't been hacking constantly or being short of breath singing or walking.

As far as classes go, they are not as intense as previous semester.  Biochemistry will be biology (cell biology; biological processes) and [mostly organic] chemistry.  This class will most likely be my hardest class, but I love the two professors that are co-teaching it.  They both are polar opposites in terms of their teaching.  Dr. H is really excited and bubbly and no lights and Dr. M uses his hands and the board, occasionally uses explicates, and keeps the lights on.  Evolution is mostly reading novels, having class discussions, and doing projects.  The professor, Dr. P (birdman) has already had us watch videos of birds and brought in two stuffed birds (The biology professors have their own specific interests and will incorporate them in their classes.).  Far Eastern Religions should be okay, the textbook is pretty cool with the sound effects and the interactive activities in the textbook.  Painting - I am not sure my thoughts on it as of yet.  I have had very little experience with painting (and I mostly draw anyway) so it should be a challenge.  It's a little crazy to think this is my third art class and I am glad I did choose to take them as filler classes.  And Prescriptive Fitness should be okay.  The class will definitely help me learn and reiterate what I know about health and fitness and incorporating in my life (aside from my obsession with gummy worms at the moment).

I also met my internship boss the other day for a meeting.  He brought a couple of devices for all of us, one for indoor air pollution and the other for outdoor pollution as well as radon kits.  I am looking forward to gaining experience editing and writing for resume building.

Spring Semester 2017

Tomorrow is my last "first" day of the semester of school, at least until I choose where to go to graduate school.  These past four years have been shaped and helped me grow in many ways (academically, professionally, and socially).  When I started college, I was really nervous and would rarely talk to anyone with the exception of Prof. H (my English/one of my FYS instructors) and a couple of other people. However, this changed (as well as becoming more independent) changed once I began living on campus during the Fall of 2013.  

This semester should be pretty smooth, hopefully.  I am taking 14 sh plus doing a project for independent study, along with PR work study, researching and writing a couple of pieces for my internship, and SI. I met with my Dr. H today and when I get the data for Cabarrus County, I will build from my Capstone project/paper.  With the IS, I get the opportunity to present research, which is exciting but nerve-wracking to think about.

Here's to my final semester at Catawba!

Goals for 2017

I am not one that is big on New Years Resolutions, but I do have some goals for this coming year:

1. Graduate!!!! I am blessed beyond belief to have had the opportunity to go to college, given the predicament I was in 4/5 years ago. I had so many great people and opportunities while at college that have made the experience wonderful.

2. Health: continue to focus on eating healthy, as well as indulging occasionally (in moderation of course, so I won't feel deprived). This can be super challenging as a college student, picky eater, and as someone with stomach issues, but it is worth it to feel good!  I also want to take these new habits into my post-graduate life.  Along with eating better - staying as active as I can - whether it is working out in a gym, learning a work-out routine in the home, yoga, going to a class, etc.  And something I started becoming interested in after taking Behavior Modification: mindfulness... I want to keep working on being mindful, especially with what I eat, how I feel, and is right for my body.

3. Keep learning... I will be out of school in May until I decide what I am planning on/going for Graduate School, so why not keep learning about different things.  I will try and definitely keep up to date with Science and NPR!

4. READ more... I have heard this many times, especially recently by C.S, but I need to engage in books more often. I used to read a lot as a child/teenager... but after being in college, I have been lucky to complete a whole book a year.  From what I have heard from others, it is difficult to fit reading in to college when there is so much in terms of assignments, required readings, and papers but it is important to learning.  I did manage to almost complete December during my time in the airport and on the plane today :)

5. Be creative... I have always been creative, although I hardly see myself as that.  I have dabbled in music (singing, playing around on piano, guitar), writing (poetry, blogging, science), and even drawing since I can remember.  Like reading, I was maybe only drawing once or twice a year, aside from making Christmas cards.  But after taking Drawing, I realize it may be time to start doing it more (although I prefer out of class drawing).

Hello 2017 - short blog

So, just got back a while ago from visiting my parents in Connecticut.  While I was there, I decided to make the move up there after I graduate this coming May.  This move will be great to allow for me to be with my parents more, will help me get out of my comfort zone, and new opportunities, both career and academic wise.

In the meantime, I go back Sunday afternoon (weather permitting) to campus.  I am hoping to start this semester off without a major roller coaster of chaos.  I am taking a variety of major and general education courses again, including: Biochemistry (I had to have one more class with Dr. H and of course, good ole Dr. Madman - my crazy organic chem professor), Evolution, Far Eastern Religion, Prescriptive Fitness (1 sh), and Painting.  Additionally, I have gotten the SI position for Elementary Spanish 2, PR workstudy, and the internship with pollution detectives! Super excited to see what this semester brings.