Autumn Quarter Reflection
As finals loom over the usual rush of midterms, presentations, and papers, I think something
that has surprised me about myself is how much I need balance in my day-to-day life in order to
work efficiently. During high school I would study for hours filling out charts and graphic
organizers, but now it’s all a lot less structured and a lot more independent-- in order to work in
a more proficient manner, I’ve really been trying to explore the best way to study for each class.
I’ve always considered myself to be a good student, so having the need to make that adjustment
came as a shock to me.
Another factor I didn’t really consider was my mental health. Over the summer, I thought I was
in a good place regarding my personal struggles with mental health, but it’s become apparent that
I’m in worse shape than I thought-- which is fine, it just needs some readjustment. I’m proud of
myself for the number of meetings and people I’ve been able to schedule as I’m working towards
a complete transition to both Seattle and the University of Washington.
My goals going into the quarter were definitely a lot of self-exploration and growth, which I
feel like I’ve somewhat obtained through having two anthropology-based classes, but
self-exploration isn’t something I find I have much time for anymore. I don’t feel like I’ve
reached the point that I want to reach in my studies, and I find I’m not much more adult than I
was. As for my expectations now, I’m aiming more to pass some of my STEM classes rather
than excelling in them. My goals are veering more to the side of balance and finding what works
for me before jumping into all the things I want to learn. That’s all coming later anyway; I think
my expectations have gotten a lot more realistic with what prereqs and courses I need to take,
and how much room I’ll really have to “explore”.
Something in HONORS 100 that I would like to investigate further is study abroad. I haven’t
had much time to look into it in-depth on my own, but HONORS 100 definitely gave me a good
foundation of knowledge to start with as I start planning my future courses, and looking into
other options for fulfilling my Honors requirements.
Something about UW I didn’t expect was how much effort it takes to get off campus and
explore Seattle. There simply isn’t much time to take long bus rides to other places around
Seattle, and while the campus is large and diverse, it doesn’t really cover the overall vibe the city
gives off. I’m also surprised at how quickly the quarters pass and how temporary everything
feels; this is both good and bad, from temporary night labs to temporary connections with
classmates.
I met someone in the Honors program that lives in the Terry building after walking to Global
Challenges together. We’re very alike and I think it’s a friendship I would like to pursue. This
quarter I was also published in a literary magazine, and I’m definitely looking into other literary
magazines on campus, such as Bricolage. Writing is something I’m going to continually explore
as I go through my college career. Something I’m currently exploring is the Disability Resources
Center.
By the end of my first year in Honors I want to do at least one extra curricular activity, whether
that’s an internship or a job or a volunteering opportunity, hopefully related to the field of
Speech Hearing Sciences. By the end of my time at UW I want to be in a good place for applying
to graduate school, as well as partaking in things that are out of my comfort zone, which is what
I think college is really about. Pushing yourself into the deep end chasing something you
hopefully don’t hate and hoping you don’t drown.
651