End of my first full school year at college

Woohoo! I've finally made it through a full year of college! No having to leave halfway during the school year like my freshman year here. I've gotta say that it was PRETTY TOUGH. By the end of winter quarter, I felt so burned out that I could barely focus during spring quarter. To top it off, I didn't actually average 15 units per quarter (as recommended by the school). I wonder how all the other students are able to take up more than 15 units and still do really well in school?

This school year seemed to take forever to end. I remember just waiting and waiting for it to end, but after every quarter I was like, "UGH. MOAR CLASSES? I'm gonna dieeeee...."

And now it's all over! It's summer time! I was planning to take summer classes too but I think I am much better off taking a long break. I'd probably get really crappy grades if I kept going throughout the summer. I only took 12 units this last quarter, and ended up with a B+ in one of my classes. I mean, 12 units should be pretty easy to handle right? Yet, I didn't get the straight A's I had anticipated. In fact, I feel like I could've done better overall this school year, but I really shouldn't be so negative.

And so, I would like to highlight a few of my achievements:

1. Did not get a grade lower than a B- this academic year. I know it's not something to write home about, but did I mention how badly I did during my freshman year? Omg, thinking about my grades back then makes me shudder. 
2.  Got a job at the Adult Development Lab; first, as a graphic designer, and then later on as a research assistant--now I basically make phone calls all day trying to get people to participate in our study. No more waiting tables for a grumpy old lady who steals tips from me! 
3. Fully supported myself throughout the whole school year. I was able to pay rent, insurance, gas, groceries etc. on my own. Am also paying for my own vacation to New York in a few weeks! *excited*
4. Lost a total of 20 lbs. Yes, I've finally lost all the extra weight I've gained since coming to Davis! But I'm still working towards getting back to my high school weight.
5. Became a "morning person." No longer wake up past 10am. 

I feel like I didn't do much this year, but I definitely feel like I've grown a lot. I think I've finally gotten over my fear of being "just not smart enough." The grades I got during my freshman year really affected me, and I always feared that perhaps I'm not that intellectual and bright after all. It made me question my self-worth at some point, and I remember being so afraid to be back in school. This time, financial aid covered all my tuition, and I did not have to stress or worry about being "kicked out" for being out-of-state. If I still got C's, what would my excuse be? That I can't focus because of financial problems? Or is it really because I am not as smart as I make myself out to be?

Thank goodness I didn't get bad grades this time round! Tried my best to focus and to stop procrastinating...and it really helped boost my grades! I have to say that taking a break from school for a year really helped me mature. Freshman year I was scurrying around trying to figure out how to get my homework done on time or how to pick my professors. This time I knew how to maximize office hours, find a network of hardworking classmates, and discipline myself to meet set deadlines.

Overall, I think I've gained a stronger sense of self-confidence. I mean, I didn't necessarily achieve very much, but looking at the list, I believe I've made some really good improvements. Boosted grades, became independent, and lost weight...all improvements in my book!

Hopefully I'll get to do a lot more next year. Joining DCF's graphic design team is a new step forward. Thank you, God, for all the wonderful things you've given me this year. This year has been a beautiful year. Here's to a another good school year ahead!