If I could describe my first semester in
one word, I would have to say "challenging." Yes, I know... Not very
climatic, huh? The reason why I would not go with a word like
"amazing" or "awesome" is because there were many of events
that "challenged" me, and they weren't exactly "amazing" or
"awesome." Many of them were hard. I was pushed out of my comfort
zone when I moved from home. It was actually the first time I had been away
from home for more than a week. It was also kind of scary to move in a dorm with
a girl I had never met (that turned out pretty "awesome", but I'll
get to that later.) I was nervous about how all of my classes would go. Being
an overachiever, I was scared to death I would make a B (that happened, and I
actually survived!) But on the more serious side, every one of my classes
challenged me in different ways. One with my writing, several with my memory,
and all helped me with my critical thinking skills. I honestly enjoyed my
classes, even the hardest one (my B class...). And here's some advice for those
taking online classes; DO NOT forget an assignment.... or worse, an exam. It
definitely does not help with stress, believe me, I know from experience. But
even though there were some upsetting events that happened in some courses, I
survived. Not only that, I learned. I learned more on time management and
prioritizing. Of course, I also learned a lot about biology, chemistry,
psychology, and a few other things. I learned a lot, but the one thing that I
took away last semester was that I LOVE biology and I HATE chemistry. I know,
not very deep or philosophical. But there it is. I absolutely adored my biology
lab class. I had never really learned human anatomy and physiology before, so
it was all new material. It was overwhelming at first, but when I finally
grasped the concept of prioritizing, it turned out to be my favorite class.
Chemistry was always a dreary class in my opinion. I had hoped it would change
when I got to college... But sadly, no. I still hate it. But I understand it
and that's what really matters in the end, right? Anyways, so I learned a lot
from my classes. I think y'all got that. And just so y'all know, I know for a
fact that nursing is for me now. I absolutely adore learning the things nurses
have to do. I find my free time over break is spent studying more... I know,
I'm such a party animal! Don't tell mom.
My roommate situation freaked me out at
first. When I applied, I had it all lined up. I was going to room with one of
my sweet friends from home. But then plans changed and I had to room with a
girl I had never met. After I found out her name I went on Facebook and stalked
her for a bit (not really "stalk," but you know what I mean...) We
texted for a bit. I was still a bit unsure of what I was getting myself into.
But then, I met her. She was pretty and quiet (quiet at first, mind you) and we
got along well. People even thought we were best friends from high school or
something! We would finish each other's sentences and we even agreed on colors
for our shower curtain. I think our conversation went something like
this...
Me: What color shower curtains do you want?
Roomy: Doesn't matter to me! Just as long as it's not pink!!
Me: Couldn't agree more ;)
Roomy: We'll get along just fine!
Believe it or not, but that conversation
not only warmed me up to her, but college as well. I was ready to move in and
make a new friend. I was also ready to go exploring the campus. My roomy and I
hung out and explored together, looking for our classes and such. We even went
to a water fight! So it was a pretty great way to start the semester. I also
made some other "awesome" friends (love y'all!) and I know we will
have one "awesome" college experience.
Home life got pretty shaky too. It was
really weird not being home, and to be honest, I felt like I was in a hotel at
my dorm. It hurt to be away from my family, friends, and my best friend
(introducing Adam! My "amazing" boyfriend!) I was in a tough place
spiritually too. It was just different all around... And I'm not sure next
semester will be easier in that sense, sadly. I'm actually pretty sure that I
won't be going home as much as I did last time (no, I can't drive if you were
wondering....) So it will be harder next semester in that aspect. But I do have
a tendency to drown myself in homework instead of dwelling on the hard things
in life! So I will get good grades at least.
Well, my first semester has been over for
several weeks and I am getting really bored with not having any studying to do
(hence this blog). It feels strange... And I've still got almost three weeks
left! Hopefully the rest of this break goes by fast (because I'm bored) and
slow (because I don't want to leave home again.) It's a paradox, I know. I
don't really know how to resolve that, but oh well! Come what may! More to come
on my "challenging" life as a nursing student, my friends! God bless!
Abby
