Ever watched Back to the Future? Try Back to School.
It's exactly like the movie except not at all
Two weeks ago I begrudgingly packed up all my stuff, shoved it into my little car, and headed back to school.
It’s not to say I didn’t want to come back, but college has been a bit touch and go ever since classes went in-person. People actually expect you to be places at different times instead of on Zoom?! I’ve been slightly overwhelmed. I love a challenge, and was excited for this semester, but was frustrated at the thought that I knew I was going to feel frustrated. Being on campus brings back a wave of thoughts and emotions and feelings, both good and bad.
However I hoped this semester would be different and better in every way. But hope is not a strategy, so I instead promised myself and made a plan for this semester so it would be better, and so that I would enjoy my time and learn more about myself in the process.
Here are some things I’ve done to ensure my success this semester:
1.) Put myself and my learning first. I’m doing this by:
Taking less classes. This way I can fully give my time and attention to these subjects and not stretch myself too thin (read more about my experiences last semester in my upcoming review of 2021).
If you’re interested, here are the classes I’m taking:
Intro to Differential Equations
Analog Signal Processing
Quantum Physics/Thermal Physics
Intro to Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Actively working to make friends and genuine connections. I’ve already started this process by introducing myself to people I sit next to in class and asking them to introduce themselves. I’ve also started the process to join an engineering sorority that focuses on friendship, leadership, and professionalism. I have a good feeling about this endeavor; I can tell I’m going to like it just by the high quality of people I’ve met so far.
Making time to do what I want, whether that be running, writing, reading, designing, creating, etc. I’ve realized having time to just be yourself is essential. If I’m constantly working and stressing out over who knows what, how can I ever reflect and realize what’s working and what’s not?
This idea I’m really starting to lean into. I haven’t set time aside to write in a long time, and I’ve missed it. It wasn’t intentional, but it’s what ended up happening. Not anymore. I love writing, so I’m making time for it. I’m even considering getting a Creative Writing minor.
Getting organized. Using tools like Google Keep, Google Calendar, Notability, are essential for my success. I use Google Keep to keep track of assignments, Google Calendar to keep track of when and where my classes are, and Notability on my iPad to take notes, do homework, follow slides in class, etc.
2.) Take change in stride and go with the flow.
I can’t predict the future, and therefore I can’t predict future challenges I’ll face or how I’ll react to them. My aim this semester to be more open to change, and react honestly and openly so I can move forward and continue to improve.
3.) Recognize gaps in my learning and overcome them
I find myself at times overcome with anger and frustration when I desperately want to understand something, such as a math concepts in my new differential equations class, or a physics problem in quantum physics. This semester I’m overcoming these “disconnections” by ensuring I get help through office hours, speaking with the professor or my classmates, or watching videos on the subject until I’ve gained a deeper understanding and truly understand.
Overcoming gaps in my learning will greatly aid my goal of success in my classes. Otherwise, these gaps will come back to haunt me later on when I’m studying for an exam, or even worse, taking an exam, and am unsure of how to approach a problem because I never asked for help.
I once read that you should treat your future self as a friend. What I mean by that is do things for yourself now so that your future self is better off. I’d like to be the best friend I can be to myself.
Starting a new semester and new classes, I’ve been weirdly both scared and excited at the same time. I walk into class, and for a moment, I’m terrified. Where do I sit? What if I don’t understand? What if everyone knows more than me?
I think these questions come from the past. They haunt me from times that I didn’t understand, was unconfident in my abilities, and had a hard time making friends.
But the Savannah now knows better than to listen to these thoughts, because they’re simply not rational. She knows she’s more than capable to understand and apply new concepts, because she’s smart, and has the skills to succeed.
Imposter syndrome is a silent killer, killing the dreams of people that think they’re not good enough, not smart enough, and in general just not enough to become what they’ve dreamed of becoming for years.
As a victim of imposter syndrome who at times is still working to overcome it, here’s what I’ve learned:
It’s all in your head. Stop overthinking, and start realizing that you are capable, you are where you’re supposed to be, and you’re where you are for a reason. What makes anyone else more equipped to succeed? Why are you comparing yourself to them? Why can’t you succeed?
Let me tell you a secret: Keep moving forward, but reflect every once in awhile. Look at where you are and how far you’ve come. Keep going, because if I can do it, you can too.
Here’s to a great spring semester.
P.S: Writing always makes me feel so much better and I can’t explain the feeling. All I know is that I had no idea what I was going to write about when I started this, and 30 minutes later I’m done and feel clearer and mentally lighter. I highly recommend writing if you have too many thoughts in your head and can’t make sense of what you’re thinking or feeling.
I’ll write again soon,
Savannah