Post #4

This Summer Session has been very tedious.  With all the work due and having class everyday, I have felt overwhelmed to some extent every week. Between blog posts, second drafts, and chemistry exams, I feel like I need to take a step back... a breather.  Whenever life gets to this point for me I pause and try to remember I need to realize where I am.  I like to always find something positive and be optimistic about my situation, regardless of where I am or how I am feeling.

As I begin this college life, I want to not only live in the here and now but enjoy the hear and now.  I am excited to take certain courses and not just learn dates and facts (which seemed to be the only thing we did in high school).  I plan to take part in educated discussions about different issues of the world, and decide how I will make an impact.  That is all very exciting to me. :) But to answer the question of how I will live in the here and now, I feel the best way to accomplish this is simply put my best foot forward.  That way I will be fully engaged, and I won't have any regrets.

In high school, I used to be the student saying "I can't wait to get to college, so I won't have to take all these unnecessary classes." Thankfully I later found out the plan was not for you just to be an expert in one field but have a good overview of many topics.  Now I'm more mature, and I am more eager to learn. I plan on using my drive for learning and wanting to be knowledgeable as my purpose for a class.

Coming to a four year institution will definitely be beneficial in the long run for many reasons.  (Reasons that I am sure we all know of since we're here).  I honestly didn't come here just to be a cool smart person, but that's cool with me too. :)  I came to UNCC to gain the education needed to become a successful nurse practitioner.  The other intelligence I'll finish with will be icing to my nursing degree cake.  

I honestly struggle to challenge growth on a daily basis.  In example, instead of reading along with my chemistry, I want to be in the position where I am reading ahead of the class and already have notes written before the class discussion.  I need to push myself to contribute more... more work, more studying, more effort. Although I don't feel I have reached my potential to soar in my classes I know I am still a work in progress and I will continue to challenge myself.