This semester was a ride I was screaming to get off of, but now that it is coming to an end, I am grateful for it. From the failures to the accomplishments and all the trials and tribulations in between, I was taught something through each experience, even if I do not want to admit it.
I lost relationships but gained amazing ones at the same time. I did not do some well on some assignments, but I exceeded on plenty (even when I did not think I would). I had to sit myself down and realize that with every lost I took there was a win waiting because sometimes it is easier to focus on the downfalls than the come-ups.
I have had plenty of time to sit down, reflect and even get over some things. Here are five things this semester taught me:
#1 Grades do not define my intelligence, nor do they define my worth. In college, it’s normal to get upset over a bad grade, especially after studying to the point where you thought you were prepared. It happens. sure, a lot is at stake, but bad grades should not keep you down or interrupt your spirit. Look at what you need to do to improve academically. I have learned not to let a grade determine who I am, as a student or a person.
#2 My focus needed adjusting. I am not sure what this semester had going on, but distractions were extremely heavy. They made their appearance with no open invitations. Whether it was people or an inconvenient setback, there always seemed something was ready to get me off track. I had to force myself to remain focused and remind myself of the goals I wanted to accomplish. I had to vision where I wanted to see myself in the coming years and that helped me realign my focus.
#3 It is okay to break free from my shell. This semester was my first one being apart of the executive board for an organization and it has been rewarding. I would have never pursued such a position before, but I am glad I put aside any doubts to just go for it. I learned it is okay to be outgoing at times and to meet new people. You never know what opportunities will find you if you would just let go of comfort.
#4 Things do not always go as planned, and that is okay. I have changed my major, lost people and did not even accomplish everything I wanted this semester, but I learned from it all. I got through it all. Sometimes plan failures are what you need because the plans you had for yourself may not have been in your best interest as you thought. It just may not be the season yet for certain plans to come into fruition. Let old things fade away so new things can find their way.
#5 I deserved every good thing that came my way. I had to grow out of the habit of thinking I did not deserve certain accomplishments or anything good in general. Sometimes I failed to see what I was capable of. I actually deserve more, and it is okay to believe that. You worked hard and deserve to reap the benefits. Never downsize your capabilities.