Term Reflection ✨☁️
At the end of each term, I answer a few questions in my journal to reflect on the term: how I did, how I can improve, and what steps I should take. I’m going to share the questions and my answers for the last term under the cut!
1. What did you do well? 💡
I balanced five very difficult classes that had deadlines on top of each other at the end of the term, as well as worked a part-time job and participated in extracurricular activities. I really did an excellent job managing my time this term.
2. What did you do poorly? ❌
I was overly stressed about school. Once I submit something, I really have to commit to knowing that there is nothing more that I can do. I’ve already submitted my work, so there’s no point in worrying so much.
3. Why do you think those things went poorly? 💬
I'm just hard on myself.
4. What is your priority for next term? 🤓
Be more kind to myself. I would extend kindness and understanding to anyone in my situation, so I should treat myself with the same grace.
5. What will you try to work on next term? 📝
I’m going to be kinder to myself. I’ll also be submitting a grant and will submit my research abstract to be considered for a conference. Also, let’s maintain that 4.0. GPA baby!
6. How will you try to achieve these new goals and break bad habits? 😌
Be kinder to myself - I’m going to schedule in breaks and let myself relax if I need to, even if the class load seems overwhelming. I will continue to stay on top of my classes but I will take mental health days when I need to and will commit to getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night. This is my most important goal: life is so difficult right now, so I ought to be kinder to everyone, and that includes myself.
Grant submission - I want to submit it by the end of January, so I will spend the next week finalizing the budget and the following two weeks editing and refining it so I have the best chance of being awarded the grant.
Research abstract - This is a long-term goal, but I’m going to meet with my advisor next week to outline what I need to do to get this done. So, more on this later!
Maintain a 4.0. - I need to stay organized, continue to ask questions and ask for help when I need it, and not procrastinate. That’s all very doable and I expect myself to be able to achieve this goal with the right amount of work.
7. What was a high of this term? 🥳
On the same night I found out that I had been accepted into an independent research program starting in March AND that I had received funding for my project from the university. It was a very exciting night!
8. What was a low of this term? 😔
The end of the term is, as always, rough. However, I feel like I felt particularly burnt out at the end of this term. It was hard for me to even get out of bed. This is why being kind to myself throughout next term is a priority. I want to avoid this.
9. How did you grow this term? 🧠
I've become a more involved person. Even though I’m away from campus, I’ve become involved in two extracurriculars I was not previously involved in, and these extracurriculars have improved the quality of my life. It’s been so nice to have (remote) social events to look forward to!
Academically, I took multiple upper-division courses and did well. I'm excited about my curriculum for the rest of the academic year. I'm excited to continue learning.
10. What's one thing you're proud of that you did this term? 💕
I've maintained my 4.0. I've finished my STEM GE's. I’ve taken on leadership positions in my extracurricular activities. Those are admirable to me, and I’m proud of myself for achieving these things.
As an arts and humanities student, I’m so glad to be done with STEM. I’m so impressed with those of you who pursue it! But I am personally so excited to be done.
☁️✨ I hope this was helpful for you to read! Happy 2021 - may it treat us all with the kindness and gentleness we need - and good luck with your upcoming term! ✨☁️