When it comes to academics some classes were easier than anticipated but some were much harder. As someone who took AP biology in highschool, but opted out of the AP test I was able to directly compare the college courses BSCI160 and BSCI170 to the AP class that covered the same topics. Overall, the AP class mainly covers the topics in BSCI170 but goes quickly through the topics covered in BSCI160 without going too in-depth. For me, this causes BSCI160 to be significantly more difficult than BSCI170. Fortunately, BSCI160 lined up most with my interests so I was more motivated to learn than I am in BSCI170. I was honestly surprised at how easy BSCI170 was since I already knew most of the material. I expected it to go more in-depth like in BSCI160 compared to what I had learned in high school. On the other hand, organic chemistry has been harder than I had anticipated. I knew it would be hard, but it has been a rough semester. As someone who is used to getting A’s and B’s in high school, it is a bit difficult to accept getting grades closer to C’s and D’s in organic chemistry. I am currently still passing in the class, but my grade is not as high as I would have liked. Luckily, the curve at the end of the semester will boost my grade up. My advice for organic chemistry is to make sure to work on it every day and take advantage of tutoring opportunities as well as extra practice.
When it comes to mentoring relationships, my strategy is to generally make myself known in every class by answering questions and attending office hours. I have already made a connection with my scholar's teachers and some of my biology teachers.
Now that my first year of college is coming to an end, I have adjusted well to campus life. I was able to make friends by talking to people in my classes and setting up study sessions and dinners with them. I was also able to meet people through the clubs that I have joined including the Maryland Equestrian Club and the Wildlife Society. Because the university is so big, it was not hard for me to find clubs that I am interested in. Unfortunately, there are more clubs and organizations that I would like to be part of than I have time for. Having friends that I can hang out with when I need a break from studying has also improved my mental health and helped me cope with the transition to college life.
The aspect of college life that I was least prepared for was managing my own time outside of classes to balance studying and leisure time. I often struggle to stay focused without structure to my day, so I have made use of alarms to remind me when it is time to take a break, grab a meal, or move on to another assignment. It also helps to keep focused when I plan to study with other people as the social pressure makes it easier to stay motivated. It is also enjoyable to talk to my friends even if it is about organic chemistry.