Photo by: LaShauna Bell
Last semester was really rough for me. I took on a heavy load of classes and I paid for it in the long run. I failed a class. Whew. I said it. It was a Chemistry class and my advisor told me not to beat myself up about it, but that’s definitely easier said than done. I’d accepted the fact about a month before the final that I was going to fail the class, or so I thought. My teacher only had test grades and as I wasn’t doing too hot on the tests, I knew that my chances of passing the class were slim to none. But even with all the preparation that I did to accept it, I was not prepared to actually see that F in black and white. It hurt.
I pride myself on getting good grades. I go to class every day unless I am not feeling well, which isn’t often. I take notes, and I try to stay on top of what we are doing but all of that wasn’t enough. Chemistry just isn’t my thing, and that’s okay. I failed a class, and while it’s not ideal, it’s fine. It doesn’t mean that I’m a failure or that I am lacking in any way, it just means that I needed to pick myself back up and re-examine what I was doing here. Below are a few things that I am doing to bounce back from failing a class:
Accepting It
The first thing is accepting it. For the most part, I have accepted it. I know that I’m not a failure and that things like this happen. I’ve taken a long look and the mirror and gave myself a pep talk. That one chemistry grade is not going to define what I know that I am capable of!
Decreasing My Workload
This semester I am taking an easier workload.. Last semester, I took 16 hours and this semester I am only taking 13 hours. While the difference doesn’t seem that significant, it definitely is. I’m not putting more on myself than I can handle.
Staying on Top of my Work
This time around I am paying a lot more attention to when assignments are due and taking the necessary steps to make sure that I am doing the best that I possibly can. I am trying to make sure that all of my assignments are complete well before the due date to ensure that I am not going to hinder getting better grades. I also have a tutor in classes that I know I am more likely to struggle in, and I know that it’s going to make a big difference for me.
De-Stressing
I know that as a college student stress is inevitable. I do however, try and decrease it on the daily. I spend a majority of my time talking to my family on either FaceTime or just a regular phone call. I love talking to them because it keeps me calm and I’m able to stay in the right frame of mind. I also listen to music. Music takes me to another place and it keeps the stress of the day away.
Prayer
Praying is something that I’ve recently been getting into. I’m developing a better relationship with God and it’s allowing me to go through my days without worry. Every morning I say a little prayer, and it helps get me through the day and any hardships that I may be facing.
Putting Myself First
I take time for myself every day. Sometimes I do a little workout (not often enough), I indulge in unhealthy food (far too often), and I sleep frequently. My peace of mind is what is going to get me through college and I know that I need to take care of myself first and foremost. I don’t deny myself things that are going to make me happy and all around I’m better for it.
All and all, these things seem to be working for me so far and I’m hoping to get all A’s this semester. I know that it is possible, and I know that it is going to require work on my end. But through the things that I’ve been doing to bounce back, I feel like I’m going to be successful in my goals. I can only get better from here on out!