I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy with a Monday…. only because today is my LAST final. I’m officially done with this semester y’all. Tears of joy! With that being said, I thought I’d recap this semester and chat about what I’ve learned, done, and want to improve for next semester!
Fall 2016 semester was one to remember… and not in quite the best way. This semester was extremely draining, but rewarding. To give y’all a low down… I took 18 hours. I’m on a track to graduate a year early so this past semester I had to take 18 hours. It wasn’t that bad some weeks, and other weeks I was a total mental breakdown mess. Six classes in high school is nothing compared to holding a load of six classes in college. Although, it’s been so rewarding to say I accomplished a semester of 18 hours, working 20-30 hours a week on this blog, a position on program council for my sorority, and keeping up with my boyfriend and close friends. It’s been a challenge for the books.
I feel like each semester I learn much more about myself as a person, as a friend, and as a student. I really enjoy looking back and seeing how I’ve grown as a person in the last four months. Thank y’all for following along this whole semester. I only have three more semesters of college left…crazy right!? I still feel like I just got here.
Despite the fact I was always at home and head in the books, I still had some pretty amazing opportunities, memories, and fun experiences.
Things I’ve learned from this semester:
The biggest and most important thing I learned this semester was it’s ok to stay in. It’s okay to actually care and focus about your school, as it leads to your future. My first year of college was crazy. It was too so so so much fun, but so crazy. I’ve expressed multiple times through this blog that I’m an introvert. Every few years though, I will go through what I call my ‘extrovert’ stages. LOL. Freshman year I was a little outgoing, fun girl. I talked to anyone and everyone and was out every night. This year, I’ve returned back to my shell. I actually love it though. It’s where I feel the most myself and happy. I’ve learned that it’s ok to be like that. I don’t need to be an extrovert. I find happiness with my close friends, incredible boyfriend, church, and time to myself. I rarely go out, and really hate being away from my college home. I’ve seen huge changes within what I’m comfortable with semester and it’s nice that it has all become really clear.
I’ve also learned how to balance. I think my girlfriends, family, and boyfriend can all attest to this. In the beginning of the semester, I was extremely overwhelmed. I didn’t know how to handle my blog, 18 hours of school, and being a present friend and girlfriend. I came home in tears everyday and called my mom 3x a day about it. I was all over the place and had no idea how to manage my schedule. With the OCD in me. I’m a VERY planned, organized person. So, when I was thrown into such a crazy schedule this semester and no idea how to deal with it, I panicked. With the help of breathing, prayers, and patient loved ones, I figured it out. I learned how to work best under pressure, and organize everything by having time blocks for certain categories each day. Although, I threw out sleep, (seriously, I never slept.) I was calm and happy to have learned how to deal with a crazy, heavy load.
Things I want to improve next semester:
What I mostly want to improve next semester is my study habits. I have GOT to get a better way. (Any suggestions, let me know in the comments!!) I want to improve the way I study and for how long I study. Only a few weeks ago, I started breaking things up and studying multiple days in advance for a test. I want to get better at that next semester. For a girl who used to study the night before or day-of for a test, I’ve seen huge changes in breaking it up multiple days before an exam.
Lastly, this isn’t exactly something I need to improve on, but something I want to continue. My schedule. I realized having multiple “jobs” and heavy work loads lead to serious anxiety. I figured out how to balance it all, but I want to continue that next semester. I already have a part time job, 16 hours of school, practically full time job of my blog, and executive council position for my sorority all lined up for the spring. It’s going to again, be a lot. But I know I can do it. I like to be busy, and personally I don’t think I could ever be “too” busy. I just have to know how to balance it.
This semester was fabulous and there are so many great things lined up school and blog wise for Spring. Thank y’all for following all of this semester’s adventures, praises, complaints, and happy memories. I’m constantly so thankful for this blog and my readers. Wishing y’all a very blessed Monday. xoxo
I definitely recommend to continue studying in blocks and over multiple days! That’s what I do, and I really have seen the benefit. You go girl for balancing blogging, friends, and school. It’s super tough and I can’t imagine what it would be like if I took 18 hours.
Sounds like you’re having an overall great time in school! Awesome that you are able to keep up with school work and the blog!
Congrats on finishing up the semester! I don’t know how you managed to stay on top of everything but get it girl! You rock!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Congrats on surviving the semester haha, I just finished as well and I’m so relieved!
http://www.diaryofatorontogirl.com
I feel you on learning to stay in! Once I got over my fomo and didn’t go out every night I legit got SO much more done and felt better too.
When I was still in college I always aimed to improve the way I studied. It can be SO hard, but when it pays off it’s so worth it!
Saying no was so hard for me in college, and I always was scrambling to make it work. Reflection is so important because I think it helps us move forward better! This weekend I’m personally going to reflect on what i want to do in the beginning of the new year!
I couldn’t agree more! I find the best changes when reflecting. xo
Are you really only 19?! You seem so mature to me. I’m 21 so I’m not much older but I feel like you have your life much more together than me. Haha. Congrats on another semester done!
xo, Meghan | http://www.lincolnparkminute.com
Unfortunately yes!! haha, I feel like I’m 25 so it’s crazy! Thanks so much Meghan! xo
HOLY COW. You make me feel like a slacker with just 12 credit hours and running the blog as a side hobby.. haha. But congrats on getting so much accomplished this semester! I am also working on improving my study habits as well!
xoxo,
Amy | Pastel N Pink
wow we are so similar it’s crazy! I always struggle with spending time equally with friends/boyfriend/and obviously schoolwork. It’s tough, but I think I have finally figured out how to kind of balance all of those things. My tips for studying more would be to go to the library! I always tell myself that I can study/do work in my room but I ultimatley NEVER get anything done there. Going somewhere quiet helps me get things done so much! I also always put my phone on do not disturb when I study! x, kenz http://sincerelykenz.com
So smart!!! Couldn’t agree more with studying somewhere other than your room!
I know the feeling of being a busy bee in college and how stressful it can get! You do need to learn to say no once in a while though, and prioritize the most important things in your life. This year, I’ve listed everything I do, in order of my fav to my least fav. Then I decided to drop the last one on the list for 2017! Good luck!
I was right there with you with taking a high number of hours in college to graduate early. My last semester in college I took 21 hours but graduated in three years so all the work was completely worth it! I wasn’t blogging back then though so hats off to you for doing both. Keep up the good work.
Seriously college is like the weirdest time of your life- Like here balance all this school work, and a life, and all this other stuff. I think any effort is a great effort when it comes to making college work! I’ve taken my time finishing, so things have definitely been less stressful for me, but now that I am so ready to be done, I can totally feel you’re stress! It’ll all be great, & the semester is over! Enjoy your break!
Audrey, I lovelovelove your honesty! I was like you in college…SUPER anal about doing it all and getting it all done in a boss way, and it was so hard. But you WILL get through – you’ve got this girlfriend!
Coming Up Roses
Congrats on a finishing another semester! AND being able to keep up your blog while doing so. You go, girl 🙂
This semester seems to have been rough on everyone, myself included! I’ve found I study best when I start at least organizing my ideas/outlines for assignments the minute I have the instructions for them. That way I’ll already have my ideas in order for a paper I have to write or a project I have to work on before I actually have to start working on them!
Studying in blocks definitely helps. I actually had a part-time job, was a resident assistant, took 17 units, still somehow had time to blog, and still did all my social stuff too, so I have tons of time management advice! (I took 22 units last semester and DO NOT DO THAT AT ALL COSTS haha)
great post, thanks for sharing! xx
So glad to hear you had an awesome semester! I was horrible with study habits, too, but making notecards always helped me. Good luck in the spring! 🙂
xo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
http://www.thediaryofadebutante.com