Dear Students: this is your eighth and final FRSM 1000 blog – congratulations on making it this far! Since this is your last blog, I’d like for you to reflect on your first-semester Xavier experience and answer the question, “How am I different now?” You may as always take this in any direction you like, just make sure that you write at least 250 words.
Blog Post #8: How am I different now? Monday, Nov 3 2008
Uncategorized 11:10 am
It has only been a couple of months since I started college, so I can’t say that I changed all that much. I’m still the same old me for the most part, but perhaps I can think of a thing or two that has changed about me. The biggest change to me happened within the last week or so. Last Monday, on October the 27th, my car was stolen straight out of the Xavier South student parking lot between 12-12:50PM during my Sociology class. Yeah, it sucked majorly, because my baby was stolen right in front of me during broad daylight, and the fact that the campus police had the guts to charge me for another parking decal for my other car, when they failed to look out for my car when it while it was parked securely in the designated parking lot stung even more. However, the theft of my car may have been a blessing in disguise. I was forced to stay at school and study in the library everyday for the rest of that week because my friend who was gracious enough to give me rides back home planned on doing that. I never even knew the proper way to study until that week, that week was the first time in my life I’ve ever studied like that. I went from making 50s and 60s on my calculus quizzes to an 89, and I managed to somehow make a 98 on my Chemistry exam, compared to the 70 I made on the first one, so that shot up my average from a 73 to an 83! As a result of the car theft, I have become more studious… for now… and hopefully it’ll stay that way for a long time, and hopefully it won’t take another car theft to make me start studying again.
“Do people make you or do you make you ?”
Throughout my years of school this question was the opening line of several of my teachers . Naturally my response was “ I make me”, but I was never quite certain. Since then that question has haunted me day after day. Juggling back and forth searching for the correct answer, I decided to break the question down and look it up. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary the definition of make is cause to exist, occur, or appear. This definition made me more and more confident in my initial answer. Not having a final answer, I concluded that I am a product of myself and other people.
People “make” me due to the fact of human contact. Studies have shown that when human beings are denied contact they don’t grow emotionally, physically, or mentally. My mom has played a key role in shaping my life in all three ways. The constant wisdom she shares with me day after day has allowed me to become the person I am today. She taught me the concept of love, faith and respect. Without her guidance my foundation, which is my integrity, wouldn’t be grounded, and I wouldn’t be who I am now.
Between a stimulus and response is choice. Thanks to the Almighty Creator I have the option to choose what I will accept or not. My thoughts, actions, and personality are what make me. And fortunately I have total control over all three. Although my mom has played a vital role in my life, it is up to me to make the final decision. Being the strong woman I am, my mentality is “What I say goes no matter what anyone thinks” I will continue being me regardless of who I come in to contact with. I will remain as I am, ME.
Furthermore, after countless days of deciding and long meditation my final decision is, “ I make me”, and nothing will change that. I will never conform to the norm nor will act to simply fit in. So I believe I havent changed since I’ve been here
Have I changed since starting college? Yes and No. I’ve really witnessed how college can change people. I’ve seen so many people in my family go away to college for months, come back and be a COMPLELTEY different person. Either their more serious about life or they’ve become light-hearted and fun. As I look back on the past four months, I do feel different but at the same time I feel that nothing has happened. People tell me to wait time May 2009 and then see who I am. I feel that I am gradually becoming very serious. College is a serious wake up call. When I was in high school, I was itching to get out, go to college, and prove myself. I was always one the brighter students in my class but when I got to college I realized that everyone is very bright. Everyone is your competition. They’re all reaching for the same prize. I made me more determined. Of course, I procrastinate like no other. I make me feel guilty when I sit on face book and do nothing while others are studying their hearts out. College has also made me become more confident. In high school, there was nothing but clicks of people, many of which I was not accepted by. In college I’ve truly made some awesome friends. College has also made me realize that I am young and need to go out and have fun. Make some memories. It’s made me very social and outgoing. Overall, I can’t wait to see what the next 3 years of college brings me.
What’s amazing is how fast this year has come and gone. It’s been five months since I began college as a freshman. When I began my freshman year I had trouble adjusting to life as a college student. For nearly two years, I have been able to make my own rules and getting used to a set schedule, having no money, not being able to work, and following a curfew are things I had to get used to. In high school I never studied, so learning to study and really understand what I am doing has proven to be a small challenge. I met great people here at Xavier and I learned that although we may come from many different backgrounds, there are many things we all share, such as the desire to succeed in a world that is dominated by other races. Xavier has assured me that I want to become a doctor and I’ve learned to accept the fact that the road to becoming a heart surgeon will be hard, but I still believe that it will be worth it. I have also realized the power that comes with volunteering your time because you learn a lot about yourself by getting involved in social events. I am now more organized than I used to be and over time I hope to become more socially active. I believe that I am here for a reason and my faith in Xavier’s pre-med program will keep me here for the next few years. In all, I believe that I am slowly developing into the person that I hope to become in the future.
I am amazed at how fast this semester actually went by. How am I different now? Well, I can say that I do feel that I am a more mature person when it comes to certain things. Such as, the choices and decisions I make the things I do. Now I tend to take the time out and plan the things more effectively. I think that college has made me notice a lot more things about myself that I needed to change for the better. I have been at Xavier since June of this year. And, I went through some real dramatic changes. When I was down here in the summer, I was so excited about going to school down here. I was happy that I was going to be leaving home. I was happy because I felt that I was going to have the freedom that parents never want to give to there children. And for a while I did: until I started to feel overworked and stressed. It was like I did not have any of my support group down here with me. And I did not have any one I could go confide in. so, I basically felt so alone. I cried almost every other night, telling my mom continuously that I was going to transfer to a college in Memphis. But after my summer program ended, and I went back home, it was only about a week before I already had changed my mind and wanted to come back to Xavier. I had sat and had a long talk with a cousin of mine that graduated from Xavier. He told me that he went through the same issues and feelings, but he promised me that it would be okay. He told me that he wanted me to try to stick it out because me being away from home would probably help me grow up a little. I was hesitant at first, but then I wrote a prayer on a piece of paper that night, asking God to help me make the right decision. And, when I woke up that next morning, I almost instantly decided that I needed to come back. My mom argued with me that she did not want me to come back down here because all I would do is want to come back home again. I assured her over and over that I was going to be alright. I told her that I felt that this school was the best school for me and my major. Although she hated it, she went ahead and said alright. Since, being at Xavier, I would say that I am a different person compared to my old self. I think that I now make more sound decisions and I am a more organized person about things that I do. Because I think that college makes you, in a way, grow up. When you are in college you cannot just do anything. You have to plan it out and fully be aware of what you are going to do, or you will easily get behind with work. Have I changed for the better? Yes. But, for the worse? No. I have the bubbly personality that I have always had and I always will but I am now a more conscience person about my actions. And, I am glad that I have come to be that person.
This year yet along my first semester year in college ever has been a physical, emotional, spiritual and challenging task. The transaction from high school to college first of all was a change for me. When I got to Xavier a lot changed. My view on college was as simple as go and to pass my courses with no problems. Was I wrong, because I’ve learned in college things are not given to you? You have to strive and work very hard for what you want. I’ve changed in the responsibility department, because going to college yet along Xavier you’re responsible for you and only you strive and work very hard for what you want. I’ve changed in the responsibility department, because going to college yet along Xavier you’re responsible for you and only you. You don’t have know one to tell you when anything is due so and so forth. My study habits have also increased. I’m actually doing much better in a class I thought I was going to fail this semester. My study habits has been a part of my changing, because I never studied everything always came natural to me far as class work, also at Xavier you get the help you need. I never was the one to ask for help, because I always felt ashamed. Now I ask for help whenever I need it. That’s a part of me that changed also. I’m not ashamed to ask for the help for anything. I’ve changed for the better I’m much mature and wise now.
Hmm. how am I different? Well I don’t know. I mean it’s kinda hard to see change in oneself because you don’t see yourself change, you know? I didn’t watch myself go from freshman in high school to freshman in college. I’m still trippin’ that I’m going to Xavier!! WOW!!! I’ve dreamed about this for years and now I’m here. I can’t believe how much I’ve changed since then, like I didn’t even notice. Just the other day I was in TX, at lunch just chillin’ with my homegirl and now I’m here with a job, reports, responsibilties out the A**!! MAN!!! Change! But from the time I’ve started freshman seminar class to now, I dont think I’ve changed much. I think the only thing that has changed about me is the fact that now I can survive off lil sleep due to late night study sessions and I dont worry about my apperace that much anymore due to me being tired because of the lat night study sessions. I mean I’m the one that likes to make people stop and stare and now I’m like I aint got time for that, I’m trying to learn. You know? Like I don’t even converse with boys, the old Renelle ordinarly would be ashamed but she has gotton used to the new Renelle and realizes that these boys aint much anyway so bother. I guess I have changed. Work, college, and taking care of my grandmother and her house while balancing a social life has matured me somewhat. I relate more to my parents now and it’s good! I like that I’m still their daughter but I’m not a child but I’m not grown (ofcourse they would say that so I don’t get big headed). I like it! My freedom has incresed greatly, I mean ofcourse I got curfew cuz I’m only 18, you kno?! BUT!! I don’t get the third degree everytime I wana go out! I can hang with whom ever I want to! I go over by my homeboys apartments without the people thinking something negative cuz really all we’re doin is watch either football, a scary movie, tv, or playing the wii! It’s my chillin spot. I dont get looked down upon for not hangong with females cuz to me females are too emotional and cause so much drama but I’ve somewhat learned to tolerate it. HMM!!! I’ve changed! I like it, it’s good!
How am I different now? I think since this semester is rapidly coming to an end, I believe I have become better aware of my abilities to do things. In high school I got so much misleading information and being able to actually live the college life help me understand that everyone is different. I feel that I have become a harder work and that my grades are not going to come as easy as high school did. I have learned to take full advantages of my resources that are here to help me. The old me wouldn’t have went to tutoring, I would have tried to figure it out myself. Coming to college help me learn why do it by yourself if there is resources that can work with you. I don’t necessarily feel more independent, but with my mother and father now phone calls away and not doors away it allowed me to manage my life by myself. If I wanted or need something from the grocery store or Wal-Mart, I had to use my money. Of course I could have called my parents up and have them ship some stuff to me, but now that seems a bit unnecessary. I thought I was way more open-minded then I actually was, being in New Orleans you have a different style of food that I’m used to. If I was back home I probably wouldn’t have even tried the different kind of foods. I feel accomplished that I got out of my comfort zone and decided to go to school in the south. I have a different outlook on so much like; foods, beignets, cultural, natural disasters, people and music. I feel that I’m different because I can go back home and say I have experienced part of that great city New Orleans. I believe I am the same young lady from California that just received wisdom from the experiences I have encountered in this semester alone.
How am I different? I cannot say that I have really changed since the beginning of my first college semester. I will say that I have matured a lot more in regards to my homework and studying skills. At the beginning of the school year I was nonchalant about my studies. Of course I cared whether are not I was doing well in a course academically, but I was not putting a hundred percent effort in my work like I should have been doing. I had, had enough of making mediocre grades so I began to study harder and put more time and effort into my work as a whole. I also changed my sleep habits, at first I was going to bed excessively late, this was hindering me as well with my class work, I changed my sleeping habits and began going to bed at a reasonable time. I began to appreciate being able to have the opportunity to attend a college and better yet a university as Xavier. Believe it or not there are many people, who cannot attend for various reasons, and yet I have the chance in a lifetime to attend a university and yet I can attend one of the top universities. It taught me that I shouldn’t complain about what I didn’t like and take the time to focus on my work and making sure that I was doing my best to accomplish my reasoning for attending Xavier University. School has not changed me as a person, no one or nothing can do that, but since the beginning of the semester it has changed me into a more appreciable person.
when i first astrated at Xavier i felt like i had finally made it and that i could accoplish anything taht may come my way. getting used to the atmospehre wasnt bad either. everywhere i turned i would always here, ‘so how are you liking Xavier so far’. Aftrer a while this seemed to get old but once i really sat down and thought about it i was blown away with my answer. It was totally amazing. i love Xavier, and even thoughg i dont stay on campus i always feel so included in everything. People alwys say youcan never truely experience college life until you’ve stayed on campus bjut i can honestly say i dont feel like im missing out on anything. Xavier makes you feel so welcomed and involved. They keep you informed. They do their best to keep the socialzing at a healthy level. We may not be a party school but we can sure get down. I feel that many of the resources here are so very useful and have made my frist semester a breeze. everyone has their ups and downs with college life but so far mine has had way more ups then downs. People always say dont give up, stick in there. stay with it and you’ll succeed, well i appreciate it but im not going anywhere because Xavier has proven to be my new home and i am happy to say that i am proud to be a Xavierite!!!
At first, i dreaded coming to Xavier. It wasnt my top school and it ended up being my last resort. I thought it would have been the worst thing that happened to me, boy can such feelings change. After a couple of weeks, i began to get accustomed to the atmosphere, make some new friends and get sitiuated in my new room. I started to like Xavier, i realized that i had to be open minded and accept my outcome. Overall my attitude changed towards Xavier , i dont think i have “changed” over the past four months. I do know one thing though, i have become much more aware of the money that i spend,iam more appreciative of the money that i recieve from my mother. Thats the hardest part about living away from home ,learning how to manage money.
School has only been in session for a couple of months and I see many changes in myself. I feel that I have grown more independent since school started. I also am a very family oriented person and I miss my family dearly. I thought I wouldn’t be able to get through the semester without them. I’m used to seeing them every day but I was able to get used to living without them. I realize now that I’ll only be away from them for a few months and I’ll see them soon enough. I’m proud of myself for that. I also think I became more open-minded. The debates showed me that. I was adamant about being on the effort team. I believed that distributive justice couldn’t be distributed any other way. I was able to argue for equality, something I was against. That took a lot. I realized that if you’re passionate about something then you can always debate about it. Since taking speech class, I have become more comfortable talking in front of people. I appreciate the fact that Mr. Davis was my speech teacher for this semester. He taught me a lot about myself. He helped me conquer my fear. I’m a very talkative person and I could talk for hours but you wouldn’t believe that I don’t like talking in front of people. Now I love it. I enjoy creating speeches and I love to debate. I wish there was a debate team here but I enjoyed the debates that we had. I just want to say thanks Dr. Schafer for putting me a team you knew I wouldn’t want to be on. Thanks for coming up with the debate as our final project. Thanks for teaching our class.
I feel that being at Xavier has made me very different. I have grown in many ways. I have become more mature and I have felt a sense of independence. I have had to do many things by myself that I didn’t have to do in high school. In high school I didn’t wait until the last minute to many things but when I did, the teachers were always there to tell you that you had something due, but not here. Not in college. You have to read your syllabus. Your syllabus is like your bible. You have to follow it. The teachers barely tell you what you have to do and when you fail to turn it in, there isn’t any “oh ill just turn it in later”. If it not there when they say it needs to be, it’s just a zero. This idea causes a person to grow up. You realize that you need to be independent and plan your time accordingly. I also feel that being in college has helped me to become more extroverted. I mean I have always been outgoing but it wasn’t until recently that I felt more extroverted. I have a public speaking class and it forces you to speak out loud. I now feel like I am comfortable to speaking out loud. I realize I actually have a skill when it comes to giving speeches. I hope to one day make it part of my job when I become a doctor and I am able to present my research. Overall I feel like I have grown a little more and matured a little more. I have been able to keep my goal of obtaining straight A’s. So I feel like I have become a little different from when I left high school.
My first semester at Xavier has taught me more than I thought I would’ve ever learned about myself and others. That is exactly what school should be–a learning experience inside and outside the classroom. As far as change goes, I think I have become even more mature and responsible. I’ve realized that I am fully capable of handling business myself since my parents aren’t here to take care of every single dilemma. Before coming to Xavier, I was really afraid of the unexpected. I didn’t know what it would be like, who I would meet, or how I would react to everything. I like to be prepared and know what I’m getting into, but since being here I have come to expect the unexpected. That’s the only way to go. I also didn’t know how I would perform in my classes, but everyone kept telling me that I would be fine. Well, I had to see for myself that I could do it, and I have seen. I realize that I doubt myself too much and don’t give myself enough credit when it comes to my capabilities in the classroom. I think on a higher, more critical level now. In spite of all that progress, I feel that I have regressed in my social life. I have always been a quiet, reserved person. My closest friends and classmates knew that I wasn’t as quiet and shy as I seemed to be; I liked to have fun and laugh and try new things. I had changed for the better–more outspoken and lively. But since starting at Xavier, I’ve found that I have gone back to my old, super quiet self again. Forming new relationships just out the blue isn’t easy for me, and I wish I could make new friendships besides the old ones from high school. I guess I’m just a little out of my element, that’s all. Hopefully, I’ll be in full effect in January since I know what to expect!
At Xavier University it has shown me that I cannot depend on my mother. When in high school I seemed very dependent on my mother because I would forget my homework and she would bring it to the school. She did a lot for me and when I came to Xavier I had to realize that my mother did not live on campus with me, and she could not come every time I called her. I have grown to be more responsible I had never washed cloths in my life until I came on campus and I did quite well with my laundry actually. I used the things that I had at home as a crouch to not do other things. I am now responsible to myself and I can handle it. I also learned that I need to study in order to make good grades. In high school I was a student who just got the information at school I did not have to study. Coming into Xavier I had that same mentality and when I took my first tests I realized that I had to study the information in order for me to get a good grade. I have learned to discipline myself in getting up on time and getting ready for the next day the night before. I had to learn to read my syllabus and keep up with it because some teachers go strictly by their syllabus and it will never change. I have learned that every teacher is different and that you cannot get extra credit in every class. Xavier University had really taught me a lot these past semesters.
Now that it is the end of the year I have noticed a lot of chances in how I am. I even though I can see some differences I am still the same person from when I first arrived. I can honestly say that the changes have all been good and beneficial to my life. The change that is most important to me is my change in study habits. I have developed better study habits that will further my how well I grasp the materials I learn in the different courses I will take throughout my college experience. When of studying I try to study in a group and attend tutoring sessions. I also changed who I allow myself to be surrounded by. This is a great change for me because I can be more focused on what my priorities should be. Being with great people helps me stay focused and keeps me out trouble that is unnecessary. I can now see how much responsibility there is to live on my own, for me to perform at my best, and succeed in the career of my choice.