College 4.0

Hey y'all, it's me. I'm back to the blogging world, as of yesterday, now that the semester has come to an end. The past month has been pretty chaotic with end of the semester assignments, exams, moving out of my apartment, starting a new job, and adjusting to living at home (with my family) again.  Another year of college has come and gone.  This year was definitely one filled with lots of fun, growing experiences, new friendships, adventures, and a few obstacles.  

Academics:

I cannot believe that the year has come to an end. It really feels like I was just moving into my apartment with three of my sorority sisters, and now here I am moved back in at home with my parents with only one semester as a collegian left.  Senior year was definitely my best academic year of college.  I managed to make Dean's List both semesters and finished the spring semester with my first 4.0.  I had some of my favorite classes and professors this year, and I was certainly challenged to step outside of my comfort zone both as a pre- service teacher and as a student. 

This past year truly solidified that I chose the right major. I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in a year long student teaching experience that would allow me to complete my six credit reading practicum with the same teacher and school that my student teaching would be with in the upcoming semester. I completed the first half of this year long opportunity about a month ago. This spring semester, I completed over 135 hours in a sixth grade Language Arts classroom where I had the opportunity to work with 107 students and as well as a team of knowledgable teachers. Spending 15+ hours a week in the classroom allowed to get a feel for what being a teacher is really like.  Due to these experiences I was able to realize that I love teaching.  I am eager to get back to this sixth grad classroom, in the fall, where I will be completing my student teaching. 

To check out more of my experiences from my year long placement, check out my professional blog by clicking here and typing in the password EDR 318. 

This year I also had the opportunity to grow as a student.  I had a professor who pushed me like none other has done before. I was forced to teach in challenging environments that caused me to be creative, patient, disciplined, and think outside of the box. I had never worked so hard to get an A, in a course, ever before.  During this class, in the Fall, I realized how much I enjoyed learning. 

(yes, I'm a bit of a nerd)

 Anyways, all of the hard work and several meetings with my professor made me think about my plans after my undergraduate career ends. Obviously I'm hoping to get a teaching job, but this professor got me to think even further than that.  Through our conversations, I've decided that I would like to obtain my masters of education in reading with a reading specialist certificate.  I thought about starting this endeavor this summer, but after lots of thinking I chose to give myself the summer off and begin next Spring (hopefully). 

Sorority Life:

The first half of this year I finished the second half of my presidency as Chapter President of my sorority.  Handing over my gavel was definitely bittersweet, but I was able to enjoy the fun aspects of my sorority in the spring rather than worrying about all the operational side of things.  I can't say I didn't love not being on our Executive Board for the first time ever, but I definitely enjoyed the extra free time I had.  My hard work paid off when I was awarded Panhellenic President of 2015 this past February. To read more about my experiences as President click here. 

At the end of Spring semester, I went through a ceremony (Jewel Degree) to become an alumna member of Alpha Delta Pi. Although I won't be graduating until December, I had the opportunity to become an alumna since I won't have much free time during student teaching. This ceremony was so special since founding sisters who graduated the past few years came back, my mentor since day one of joining ADPi was there, and Alpha Delta Pi has been such a huge part of experience at my college since transferring. Following this ceremony was our senior sendoff ceremony where we gave speeches and the chapter gave us adorable notes/gifts.  It was difficult to say goodbye to the chapter that I helped create, but I have faith that they will continue to flourish in the years to come. 

Social Life:

Socially I had an exciting year. I was able to become closer with friends I had previously known and form new friendships with sisters and classmates.  This year I managed to make two trips up to Penn State University to visit my best friend, spend Halloween in Philadelphia, attend numerous greek life social functions, discover new restaurants and bars, enjoy homecoming,attend several weddings, celebrate lots of birthdays, volunteer at a fashion show and attend several benefits.

A glimpse at some of my favorite memories this year:

Lessons I've learned this year:

+Don't sweat the small stuff

+It's important to treat yourself every now and then

+Sometimes it's easier to just be nice to people rather than holding a grudge

+It's better to pick up the phone than text someone when you need to have a difficult discussion

+Having your act semi-together can intimidate people, even if you don't think you're a kind person

+It's important to get off campus to study

+The library isn't always the most productive place to get stuff done 

+Attention to detail is an important skill that will take you far in life

+ It's okay to break out of your comfort zone every once in awhile

+People can change- sometimes for the better and other times for the worse

+The saying the early bird gets the worm is actually true more times than not

+Your GPA won't define who you are as a person, but it can help you get to where you need to be

Checkout some of my other reflections from college:

Welcome to WAC

Transferring

Transferring Part 2

Semester Reflection

Two Years Down

Surviving Fall 2014

Three More Semesters

XOXO