HITTING MY STRIDE: SOPHOMORE YEAR
This has been an interesting, and dynamic couple of semesters for me. Where freshman year was a time for me to discover where I fit in and felt I belonged on UC's campus; sophomore year was different. My second year of college, I found, was a time for me to make those lasting connections at such places I began at the year before, and to learn how I can better myself on and off campus. It was definitely a fun year: I took a little sister in my sorority, lived in a brand new dorm with one of my closest friends, made more friends than I already had freshman year, made Dean's List both semesters, was awarded new leadership experiences on campus, and got to study abroad! However, I would define sophomore year as the year that I learned two important things that will surely help me throughout the rest of my college career: how to be an effective leader, and how to truly push myself. Not only will both of these help me in the rest of my time here at the university, but will also be beneficial later in life as I embark on my career as a teacher.
In November of 2013, I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the vice president and scholarship chair for my sorority. I was thrilled, but a tad overwhelmed with such a large responsibility on my hands. I was now responsible for maintaining good morale involving school, helping set up scholarship meetings and tutoring sessions, and much more. Though I knew I possessed the leadership skills to tackle these tasks, I was wondering what was the best way to use these skills. That's where the Honors college came in. Over winter break, I went on a five day Honors experience called Leadershape (you can learn more in the Leadershape tab). Not only did this retreat take my comfort zone and throw it out the window, but it also opened my eyes up to a brand new set of leadership skills that I didn't know I'd had. My favorite activity we did at LeaderShape was the DISC personality test. I was labeled an "I" or "Influence" personality type. This means that I influence others through talking and tend to be emotional. While "I" personality types excel at generating enthusiasm, entertaining people, being articulate, and creating motivating environments, "I" personality types tend to have trouble making priorities and deadlines, being firm with others, and making objective decisions. When I read the description of my personality type, it was like a veil was lifted from my eyes. It was me to a tee. Now that I knew more about my personality, I was able to understand why I behaved the way I did in certain situations, how I interacted with other personality types, and how I can play to my strengths and improve on my weaknesses. When I returned to school for spring semester, I was ready to put my new knowledge to the test. I can only hope that I can continue using-and improving!-my leadership abilities come fall.
This past year also taught me how to push myself. Freshman year is all about experimenting; trying to find places and organizations that you like. Going to one club meeting, not liking it, and never going back was okay. And it still is. But this year I erased that attitude and tried to set clear goals for myself to achieve. One goal I had for my whole time at college was to study abroad, and I had not been able to do that yet. Part of me was a little nervous to pursue this, but I knew that once I began student teaching my junior year, I would have limited time. I jumped at an opportunity for April-May spring semester, and was accepted into the program. I spent a week in Berlin, Germany and had the most amazing time immersing myself in the culture and the city. Since I'm minoring in German, this was also a great way to brush up on my language skills! If I hadn't really pushed myself to apply and look for study abroad programs, I don't think I would have made it out of the Cincinnati area this year. I'm thankful that sophomore year brought about a new attitude that encourages me to pursue new heights.
Overall, I can confidentially say that sophomore year, while bringing about a lot of changes, helped me in learning about and improving my attitude on life. I feel more ready than ever to tackle the world with the new skills and experience I have under my belt. Bring on junior year!
Pictures (from left to right):
1. Me and my little sister from my sorority!
2. Studying abroad in Berlin, Germany
3. Myself and the rest of the executive board of my sorority