Mid-semester Learning Reflection

    This excerpt will follow a different pattern than the rest as I’ve decided to reflect on my learning throughout the first part of the semester as a whole instead of focusing on a specific class. This semester has been a breath of fresh air, and I have had so many new opportunities. To sum it up in one word, I’m feeling grateful. This first half of the semester has had highs and lows, as can be expected with any period of time, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

This semester has been unique for me because I am usually constantly slammed with work to do. As a pre-med major, my past three years have consisted of taking multiple biology and chemistry courses simultaneously on top of my normal life. Balancing all of my commitments with my assignments was an art, and usually, the part of my life that suffered most was my sleep schedule. However, this semester, after already applying to medical school and taking the MCAT, I’m only taking one science class. The rest of my classes are ones that I enrolled in simply because they interested me. It sounds like a crazy concept, I know.

With all my additional free time, I’ve taken every opportunity to spend time with friends, add movement into my day, and prioritize wellness. I’ve been super sentimental about senior year and wanting to make the most of every moment. I am soaking in this time because I know that next year will be filled with new experiences. I am resting in the comfort and familiarity that TCU has become, which is crazy to think about, considering I was terrified to move away from home three years ago.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: all this free time, and I still missed the memo about the learning journals. This is completely on me; it’s my fault for not reading the syllabus in detail. It’s no excuse, but I got so caught up in senior year and the excitement of not taking chemistry anymore, which I struggled with immensely, that I forgot that just because I enjoy my classes now doesn’t mean that there is no work to be done. Once again, I’m faced with a balancing act.

Moving forward, I’m excited for everything this semester still has in store. I’m excited for cooler weather and the start of the holidays. I’m excited to go home and see my family, and I’m excited to make more fun memories with my friends. However, I now know that all of this can be true, and my learning journals can still be completed on time. I’m looking forward to the remainder of the semester in True or False!