This year has been one full of many ups and downs. Starting as a Biological Sciences: Ecology and Evolution major semester one and performing an academic 180 by changing my major to Elementary Education with an Area of Emphasis in Science allowed me to see two different sides to the University of Maryland. Although my mental health deteriorated in my first semester with the immense rigor and disconnect within my courses, my second semester courses absolutely made up for the pitfalls I had previously experienced. Not only did my second semester at UMD enable me to learn differently than I ever have before, but it also positively impacted my perspective of attending the university amidst the pandemic. My favorite course that I enrolled in out of both semesters was THET285. For my major, I needed to complete an oral communication credit and rather than registering for the more traditional courses, like COMM or INAG, I performed some research into alternative classes. Eventually, I came across THET285 and was thrilled that it fit within my schedule. This course provided me with a great sense of relief and excitement in my academic journey. As a past theatre kid, I was quite familiar with the concepts we discussed; however, the class served as a helpful reminder about how to properly public speak. It was not an acting course, like I was somewhat expecting, yet it still taught me several important lessons that I intend to carry with me through future classes. The course was so impactful that it has inspired me to look for ways in which I can incorporate my artistic passions into a potential minor or even major. I made so many supportive, hilarious friends throughout the course, and I am so fortunate to have had such an amazing professor and classmates. I wholeheartedly recommend THET285 to fulfill any oral communication requirement as it will benefit students in many ways. With virtual learning, it has been quite complicated to try and connect with my professors. At least in my second semester, I did not have any confused TAs- please refer to my aggressive reflection of CHEM132V in my Expectations vs Reality Essay- but office hours are essential to forming bonds with teachers. At the end of this semester, I intend to individually thank each of my teachers for their hard work throughout their classes because not only does that reassure them to keep working efficiently, but it makes our connections more personal. All my professors this semester were helpful, understanding, and thoughtful and I want them to know how they have impacted me. Unfortunately, quite a few of my professors are last year graduate students and will be leaving campus next semester for permanent jobs. I still intend to communicate with them after this semester ends because they have a large amount of knowledge that can be useful to guide me in the future. Unlike my first semester when I barely had one friend, by participating in more conversational courses like SOCY100 and THET285, I connected with several people. I'm not certain how often I will be communicating with them this summer, but I hope to reconnect with them on campus in the fall. Having people that I could collaborate with on certain assignments gave my perfectionist self a sense of security. A large sum of the people in my THET course were also in my MATH212 course, which enabled me to formulate small study groups before quizzes and exams. It's super easy to disassociate from virtual courses by turning off your camera, but I promise that the classes where people have their cameras on are way more fun and rewarding. If certain classes are only given on Zoom again, I urge future freshman to participate with cameras on and try to form study groups because they will both improve your grades and happiness. I was expecting to enter and exit the university as a Biological Sciences major but plans and passions do change over time. This was scary for me to accept at first, but if you feel unhappy in your major or course, you are never trapped. Indecisiveness is so common, yet I was completely unprepared when it became a part of my own academic journey. Although adjustment to different learning styles can be intimidating, I am so much happier in my current major, knowing that I will be a large influencer of America's youth. My last piece of advice is to not be afraid to take charge of your own life and do what YOU love. It will be absolutely worth it!