Sunday, April 24, 2011
Summing Up
If you are reading this, congratulations, you made it to the end of the semester. Now tell us what you learned, not just in this class mind you (though that is, of course a part of your learning experience) but in every part of your life, both in school and out. How have you grown, shrunk, changed, stayed the same? And, most of all, what lessons do you want to pass along to the rest of us. As usual, 250 word post up by Thursday night (4/28) and 100 word response up by Sunday night (5/1).
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I truly cannot believe how fast my freshmen year of college has flown by. Coming into USF I was worried about if I had made the right decision in coming here as opposed to the University of Miami where I was also accepted and really considered attending but chose USF because of the dance program. I can now say after completing my first year of college at the University of South Florida that I could not have made a better decision in coming here. The only academic classes that I took during my freshmen year were Composition 1 and 2. All of my other classes were dance classes seeing as I am a dance major. The one thing that my Comp classes along with all my dance classes have taught me is time management. I have learned how to balance out my assignments for my comp classes like the projects, dance classes, rehearsals, and even my sorority. It has been hard and was at times stressful but it truly is all about time management and being organized. Being away from home has definitely made me more independent and more mature, even though I am very excited to get back home to be with my parents for the summer, I now know that I can handle things on my own now without the help of my mom and dad. Being in a sorority and receiving a position has taught me leadership and I am excited to not only continue my position in my sorority next year but also serve on the USF Dance Department’s Student Dance Production Board. I think my first year in college has taught me how to stand on my own two feet and has really helped me mature.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I didn’t think my freshmen year would pass by so fast! It feels like yesterday when I was shopping for dorm stuff with my mom in summer. As a freshmen I have earned 38 credits and have learned so much. Before I came to college I was so scared of living on my own but by being away for just a year I don’t think I can remember now when I lived at home. I have grown to be a stronger person in all aspects. I’ve learned a lot of responsibility and I have managed to achieve all of my goals with my grades. Yes, my teachers have taught me a lot and overall I have been pretty lucky on my professors but what I learned the most out of them is no one will baby you and you create your own path to success. If had to pass a lesson on to anyone attending a community college or a four year university it would defiantly be learn your resources. The library is where I normally am and without it I don’t know what I would do. The math tutoring center and writing center has helped me through all papers, homework, and tests. Another thing I learned and would pass on is before all my big lecture classes I read the chapter before so I understand what is going on as I’m sitting in a class with 300 people. Freshmen year has been great I’m excited to see what the next years bring me.
ReplyDeleteThrough this year I feel that I have been through many obstacles. Freshman year truly changed me in numerous ways. I feel that I have accomplished how to write, and also how to socialize better with those that surround me. When I first came to college I was scared for all the work I heard we had, but now being through one year I feel I handled myself quite well. I set goals for myself and for the most part I achieved them. This year taught me that you can not procrastinate like many of us did in high school. You must start ahead of time and keep ahead of schedule. Time management is very important in college and if you do not time manage right then good luck getting through it. I also learned this year that college is preparing you for the real world. You are on your own for the most part, but you still have those friends and some family by your side to help you through your first few years of college or so. I also feel that my maturity level through these past three semesters (Summer, Fall, and Spring) has increased tremendously. I feel that I am able to handle problems in a calm manner where as before I would freak out. All in all I found my freshman year to be a process I will never forget. I have already made friendships that will last a lifetime, and I am starting to figure out my future.
ReplyDelete@Alexandra
ReplyDeleteYou seem like you had a busy time with dance on your hands. We can so relate because athletics took up all my time as well. Although it taught good time management, I feel that having a little down time to relax would have also been nice. I think you made an awesome decision coming here, because you have had so much success as USF, especially with dancing. Comparing comp classes I feel that both of them taught me so much, just in different ways. Regardless, I wish I had time to rush because I feel that it teaches you so much, and you can build so many friendships as well. Nevertheless, I would say our freshmen year has been amazing, and I cannot wait for the rest of my college experience.
It has definitely been an interesting year in Composition and my other classes. I came into school not really knowing what to expect and I’ve ended up learning a lot about myself in my classes and out. In Comp I, the most important idea that I took away from that class was analyzing the credibility of others, and I was able to carry that into Comp 2. Then I took it a step further and used different sources to make my argument but also understand the opposition’s point of view, so I could be fair to myself as well as my opponent. La Haine was probably the first foreign film I have watched and analyzed, so I’m actually very happy that I was able to do that. I really do not like making presentations, but I managed to make two, so I have learned that I am capable of speaking in front of a large group without losing my composure. I’m still not 100% sure about my major, but that is what I have sophomore year for; so I’m hoping to get a better idea of what I will be doing in the near future. The one thing that I think I will truly learn from outside the classroom is becoming an RA next year, so I’m hoping that my resident s will learn to trust me and come to me with their problems. I definitely have not shrunk because I feel like everyone constantly learns more about themselves whether they want to or not.
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much this semester, it is crazy. I thought first semester passed by fast, and now I’m looking at the calendar and wondering why it’s not labeled “January”. I remember at the end of my senior year in high school thinking back to freshmen year and thinking, “Wow. I didn’t know ANYTHING four years ago.” Well, that’s exactly what I am thinking to myself right now again, but thinking about it only in terms of one year. Though high school taught me a lot, four years taught me nothing in comparison to this past year. At first I was not so sure about USF, but I can truly say I have never made a better decision in my entire life than not only attending USF, but living in the Bulls Business Community. This semester alone, everything I have done from BBC company tours to group projects in BBC UE and in other classes, to service projects, Relay for Life, and attempting to have a lick of spare time has taught me if nothing else, time management is key! Taking 19 credits has truly taken a toll on my planner to say the least. This semester I have improved my writing, learned the basics in accounting, macroeconomics, learned to correctly write memos and cover letters, expound on life-relevant thoughts in intro to dance, manage an online class, and work well with a group. If I get as much out of the years to come as I have not only in this year but in this semester alone, I am going to learn A LOT.
ReplyDelete@Alexandra
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand where you are coming from. This past year, and especially this semester, has slipped right past me. Time management is key, and that is something I learned as well taking 19 credits. It must be really different than high school majoring in dance and not having all of the academics to deal with, though I know it is a lot. I know someone minoring in dance; she is not even majoring and she is ALWAYS busy. Either way, USF was a great choice, and I think that with everything we have learned in the past year and semester alone, the next four years are going to be even crazier.
First off, what a wild and crazy year 2011 has been, not surprising since I am a wild and crazy guy. Anyways, my run in comp 1 and 2 is finally coming to an end and what can I say. It’s been real. I learned a lot and honestly feel I am a better writer because of Mr. B’s class, so props to the prof. I’m glad we moved on from the whole ethos and pathos theoretical writing to action oriented writing with purpose. Interestingly enough, my persuasive abilities gained greater range and influence as we progressed from theoretical to more concrete forms of rhetoric.
ReplyDeleteI’d say the biggest thing I learned this semester is how to prioritize. I had a lot more time and freedom than last year, and because of this free time I committed myself to many programs and organizations on campus. I applied for board of Bull Service Break, a spot as an RA, Concert Director on the board of CSI, and assistant director for Office of Orientation. I got 3 of the 4 but not without going to many interviews, filling out applications, and begging for references. I played intramural sports, went to the beach as much as I could, and got involved with community service. Because of everything I did I had to make sacrifices. If that meant skipping class one day I would have to prioritize. I had to ask myself, “Is it ok if I missed this day?” A lot of times I answered yes, and I have no regrets.
Yo Alexandria! I liked your end of the year journal entry. You really wrapped things up well. It’s definitely weird to look back and see how fast life is flying by, already in our second year of college. I’m glad to hear that you’re confident in the decision you made coming to USF. The best of us can make the best of the opportunities we’re given and I’m sure that is a big reason why your stay here has been so successful. Good to hear that you’re involved with a sorority and the Dance Production Board. Time management can definitely be tough but keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteWhew! What a crazy first year at USF. It’s been a long and winding road of entertaining and exciting events that never seem to end. I’ve had great experiences with finding great friends, meeting new people and of course, shared a bathroom with 8 other girls. Not the best of the 3, but If I didn’t know how to share before, I do now. I’ve experienced crappy campus food, a change in my major, long walks to class, failing tests and learning about myself along the way. With the semester coming to an end, I look back at the classes I took, including 1101 and 1102. It’s been interesting, and I learned a lot about myself as a writer, such as my strengths and weaknesses. These classes helped me shaped into a better writer, and the knowledge will travel with me further to my classes for the next 3 years, helping me then as well. I’m going to miss being a freshman, living on campus and maybe even miss eating the campus food. Freshman year taught me about time management and planning. I most definitely learned how to study, and to eat healthy and keep active. I learned some lessons, like you are who you hang out with and sometimes going out isn’t always the best option to choose. I wouldn’t change anything that has happened to me since I’ve gotten to USF, this place is probably the best thing that ever happened to me actually. I’m excited to see what sophomore year has in store for me!
ReplyDelete@Kayla
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you mean by going through obstacles during the year. I’m glad you’ve learned to better socialize with those around you! I’ve always heard the phrase, “It’s all about who you know, not what you know” but congrats. My teachers always said there was going to be a tremendous work load too, but I guess things have changed since they’ve been in school because like you said, you handled it quite well. If I could agree with anything else, it would be not to procrastinate and to master time management; I learned the same lesson the hard way. I went to summer, fall and spring semesters as well and what you say is true, every semester it feels as if we are growing up more and more. I’m glad you made progress into the person you want to be, and enjoyed the freshman year. They say the friends you meet in college last a lifetime so I hope the same too you. Oh and your future? Worry about it when you get there.
I have learned a lot about myself and grown as a person over the past year. I left all of my friends and family back home and traveled a thousand miles to USF. I came to Tampa not knowing anyone. Thankfully, I developed friendships with my teammates who helped me adjust to the area and introduced me to new people. I had discovered my own independence. However, as the season and semester quickly approached, I realized that time management was everything. Missing class and doing homework on the road was tough. I always felt that I was playing catch up. Yet, I wouldn’t have wanted my freshman year any other way. Learning how to prioritize is a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life and want to pass on to others. Although I only took general classes, they definitely prepared me for the remainder of my education by acquainting me to the college teaching style. Now, I feel comfortable with various types of classes (i.e. lecture, online, help session). More specifically, I have learned about the resources on campus and matured as a writer through my 1101 and 1102 composition courses. A unique, personal writing style is now slowly emerging. This was something I struggled with in high school. I have also learned a lot about the importance of the writing process and how to construct different types of essays (annotated bibliography, Rogerian argument, persuasive writing, etc). Overall, my first college experience has been a little overwhelming but mostly exciting and eye opening. I am anxious to see what the next three years have to offer!
ReplyDelete@jalasmar
ReplyDeleteI can’t believe how fast my freshman year has gone either! I still feel like I just got here. I can relate to how you have grown into a stronger person. I feel a sense of independence yet responsibility now that I don’t live at home. As you said, I can’t even remember what that’s like anymore, so it’s going to be different when I go back home over summer and stay with my parents again. Also, I really like the advice you gave. Lecture classes can be difficult because of the large number of students. So, reading the chapter ahead of time is a great idea. This recommendation will be useful for every college student at some point in his or her education. Well, it looks like you are well prepared for next year and I wish you the best of luck!
First year of college, done! Cannot believe it went by as fast as it did and as much as I cannot wait for the year to come to a close I am also sad to see it end. I enjoyed my time here, I got use to my dorm and going back to home life (even for a few months) will be a bit of an adjustment. The University of South Florida certainly had some great classes though, I was expecting tons of work and no play but most of the classes here have a very sociable feel. They are relaxed, easy to get use to and fun to be in. I thoroughly enjoyed my Renaissance class and briefly toyed with the idea of picking up a minor in Humanities, but I shot down the idea for International Studies instead. Both my English Composition courses were not at all what I expected from an introduction to college level English. One thing I am really thankful for? I am glad to be over with math (for the most part), going into college after taking AP Calculus in High School I was not looking forward to higher level math. Now I am done and it is an awesome feeling. I feel like I have changed a bit as the year went on and I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of my years at the University change me – hoping to get a job over the summer and keep one for my sophomore year.
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't believe freshman year is almost over, and I can't say I'm happy about it. I've had so much fun hanging with my friends and just being on my own. There's lots of things I've learned throught my first year of college. One of them is time management, or better yet, how failing at time management can really bite you in the butt. There was times when it was challenging to balance school and fun, but I think I did alright. That's the biggest piece of advice I would give to anyone, learn how to manage you're time, and learn it fast! Getting behind on work is killer. This class specifically has been very beneficial to my writing and arguing skills. I feel much more prepared to write persuasive essays than I have in the past. Classes such as macro, micro, and economics have shown me the true importance of studying. Thanks to those classes I have learned how to use the quiet library to get my studying done effectively! That would be my second piece of advice; use the library to study! There are much less distrations than in the dorms and there's a Starbucks! All in all, freshman year has been a real learning experience and it's been a blast! I'm already excited for next year!
ReplyDeleteEven though I’m not thousands of miles away from home none of my friends came to USF. So I know how you feel on the friends part but I could imagine not have my home close to me! It must have been hard juggling school and being on a college team and traveling to different states. I remember I would get frustrated with school and sports in high school I can’t even imagine how it is in college. General classes definitely helped me put my foot in the door and let me get a hang of this college thing. Have a great summer I know your probably really excited to see all your friends and family!
ReplyDeleteYay I made it to the end of the semester. I must say that this whole year as a freshmen has flown by. Somewhere near the speed of light is my estimate. It seems like just yesterday that I add/dropped three different classes till I found a comp teacher that I ‘might’ like. And I finally ended up with Breckenridge, and I am quite satisfied with my decision. They say your gut reaction is always right and once again I proved that right. I have def grown as a writer because of this class. I would bet that anyone who took this class has grown as a writer though. Yet even though I have grown so much there is still so much to learn. Mr. B even said it himself, we have not even scratched the surface of the writing we will do in our lives. Other than writing though I found out that I was pretty good at stats. And my time management has gotten so much better now. Finally the responsibility that college has given is actually paying off instead of hurting me. I used to go out and procrastinate everything. But now I do ALMOST everything then go out. Schedules are proving to be very beneficial when planning a week around work, and projects/papers. My freshmen year has gone fairly well I must say. I am looking to finish with around a 3.5 GPA so I am stoked about that. I guess I just have to see what next year has in store for me!
ReplyDeleteI still cannot believe my first year at USF is over! I was just thinking the other day how excited and nervous I was exactly a year ago, when thinking about starting college, and within a second, one year has already been completed. I can now say I know what a year of college entails. For one thing, just like most first-year college students, I can say that prioritizing is definitely the number one thing I learned this year. In high school, we usually only had one night to do the assignments because it's due the next day. But in college, since we are assigned a lot of assignments a few days or even a week ahead, realizing the most important task to be done first and managing how long it takes you to do it is essential. I also had my first job this year, so that has definitely taught me that I’ve got to manage my time and work productively. My classes have also taught me so much, so I’ve been very thankful to have had many great professors in my past three semesters here at USF. Both of my Composition classes have taught me so many great ways to enhance my writing for not only the rest of my three years as a college student, but for the rest of my life. My Intro. to Education teacher has helped to confirm my decision to be a school teacher so I can only be grateful that her advice has helped me tremendously. I must say that I had a very successful year, both in school and out, and I cannot imagine how great the next three years will be!
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard to imagine that at the beginning of last August I had no idea what life in college was like. But now, only eight months later I can definitely say that I got the full experience. During my freshmen year, I learned what it was like to share a room and have a hall bathroom. I learned what it was like to manage my time and organize myself without my parents always reminding me. I feel like I’ve become a better student and my writing has definitely improved. I enjoyed ENC 1102 a lot more than ENC 1101 because I had a lot more confidence about the assignments we were receiving. The journal topics were always pretty amusing and the in class essays weren’t too stressful. I also found myself pretty engaged with the projects that made up the greater portion of this class. Learning about the credibility of sources was interesting and I never would’ve thought that I’d get the opportunity to write a paper about a movie I actually enjoyed. I feel pretty nervous about my exams next week but at the same time feel prepared for the next semesters to come. I’m looking forward to this summer but also coming back in the fall too. The only thing I regret about this year was getting a D last semester and lowering my GPA but I guess it was a good lesson learned. Hopefully next year I can work on getting it well over a 3.0.
ReplyDelete@kcheek
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%. The first thing that I would tell an incoming freshman is go to class and plan out your week. Sometimes I felt completely overwhelmed first semester because I had so much to do and not enough time, but I found that I could complete everything as long as I had a schedule of when to do everything. I have to take micro and macro economics, so I’ll probably be at the library a lot next semester trying to get studying done. It’s so convenient that the library is open 24 hours, but I think that it should be open all the time on the weekends.
@ebarton
ReplyDeleteEven though I’m not thousands of miles away from home none of my friends came to USF. So I know how you feel on the friends part but I could imagine not have my home close to me! It must have been hard juggling school and being on a college team and traveling to different states. I remember I would get frustrated with school and sports in high school I can’t even imagine how it is in college. General classes definitely helped me put my foot in the door and let me get a hang of this college thing. Have a great summer I know your probably really excited to see all your friends and family!
@ J_Sonderegger
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I am so excited for summer because my family and I have big vacation plans and I won’t have to worry about school, but at the same time I am also not happy about my first year of college already over. I also thought that all my classes would keep me extremely busy all the time, and that I would never have time to have fun, but I was completely wrong. The Renaissance class you took sounds quite interesting, so no wonder you enjoyed it very much. I also feel like I have changed in a positive way throughout the year. Good luck with the rest of your years at USF!
@maxwell
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you on the priority business. When comparing my second semester to my first semester I had a lot more free time because I knew how to manage my classes better (as well as my hobbies). I was not overwhelmed in any fashion and I got my work completed on time. I hope the rest of your years at USF are as good as your first, if not better. Good luck to you and to everyone in Professor Breckenridge's class.
@ Kayla
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Kayla. You are so on point about time management and about procrastinating, and especially about being on your own but at the same time still having the support and love from your family and friends. I can only imagine how much you have to do as an athlete at USF along with all of your schoolwork. I really feel as if I have changed a lot this year and that I have made life long friend ships as well. It is so hard to believe that our freshman year in college is over and when we return in the fall we will be sophomores.
@nsmart
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about how fast freshmen year went. The days flew by so much faster than they did in high school, it almost felt like every other day was a weekend. It's also cool that you figured out how to organize your priorities. That's a really good way to get all your work done and do well in all your classes. It sounds like it's been paying off too, I can say one things for sure, your GPA looks way better than mine.
@Elliot321
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you! I had no idea what college life was going to be like merely eight months ago and now I believe I can say that I’ve had the college experience. I felt more confident coming into ENC 1102 as well because I felt prepared from ENC 1101 and I was used to college English courses and knew what to expect with grades, the curriculum, and grading. I’m also looking forward to the summer, mostly because I will get to start life-guarding again and I also have a job as a camp counselor.
@kayla
ReplyDeleteI agree with about everything you said. Freshman year sure was a learning experience! I also feel like I am better able to handle social situations and meeting new people much better. In highschool you were almost always guaranteed atleast one friend in class, and in college its more than likely that you know no one. It's been so fun meeting new people! Also, time management was one of the important points I brought up in my post. There's just no way to get through college if you don't manage your time well (and learn how to study!) I can't believe I'll be leaving in a couple days. It's been crazy! And soooo much fun!