I have just completed my very first semester of college! (Woooo! Yay! WOO!)
That being said, I noticed that on the final day of many of my classes, the professors asked us to complete an end-of-semester reflection. In these reflections, we were supposed to rate not only the class itself, but the performance of both ourselves and of the professor.
Personally, I really liked having this structured time to reflect on how college is going so far, especially for myself on a personal level.
These reflections, however, only encouraged me to reflect upon my performance from an academic stance. Although I found this to be both helpful and enlightening, this got me thinking of the other facets of my college experience.
How am I doing socially? How is my involvement going? Have I adapted well? Are there things I should change for next semester?
These are only a few of the questions I have been asking myself lately.
I think it's really important in whatever I do to never lose sight of what matters. Even if my grades aren't perfect, am I happy with who I am? Did I do everything I could to make them the best I they could be?
Obviously, one semester isn't the be-all and end-all of my life experience. In fact, it isn't even going to define the entirety of my college career.
What is important, however, is making sure that I haven't lost sight of what is important. I haven't strayed from my goals, or if I have it has been in pursuit of better ones. I've struck a good balance between social and academic life. I have found time for the things I enjoy doing, and for the things I have to do.
But really, I'm pretty proud of how college is going so far - it's really important to take the time and remind myself of that. I'm getting involved in things I'm passionate about. I'm doing well in my classes. I'm building relationships with professors. I'm getting enough sleep!
Obviously, this is just my experience thus far. Some people might not be as fortunate as I am, but that's okay too! Everyone's college transition is different. Everyone's college experience as a whole is different! That doesn't make any one experience superior to any other. It just makes them unique.
No matter what stage of your life you are in, it's always important to take a little time to reflect.