An Honest Reflection Of My First Year At College

I remember entering my first accounting class at the university. It was 8:00 AM on a Wednesday. As soon as I entered the room, I looked around and noticed plenty of students sitting in the room who were just as anxious as I was. When the lecture began, I realized I had to take my studies seriously. My classes weren’t just going to be a walk in the park. 

Now that the second semester has finished, I realize how much the first year of university has changed my life. There were many facts about myself that I had not found out about at first. I never thought that I would end up enjoying accounting courses as much as I expected. I never thought that I would discover more of my strengths and weaknesses as well. 

I also found my first co-op and internship placement during my first year. 

This was a drastic change compared to what I had to endure last year when my placement was terminated accidentally. The interview process was daunting and challenging, with multiple rounds and intense competition. However, I prepared thoroughly, sought guidance from career services, and practiced my interview skills. In the end, my perseverance paid off, and I was able to push on and land a position. 

After all, the first year of university taught me an important lesson: never give up on yourself. Sometimes, when it feels like the world is ending, you’re being pushed in a new direction. Because of that, you shouldn’t look at the negatives but at what you can control in your life. It’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset, believe in your abilities, and keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. 

When I entered university, I felt hopeless regarding my progress. 

I entered after a placement termination, a setback that left me questioning my abilities and future. This, coupled with the realization that my previous program was not worth it for me and having experienced some horrible workplace incidents, led to a significant shift in my perspective. I felt my future was not better than I expected and that I lost myself throughout the process. The eager student who wanted to study and try the hardest to excel in courses was no longer who I was. She felt foreign to me, and I thought that the ambitious version of myself was just hidden in my personal history. 

However, the first and second semesters of university allowed me to realize that giving myself another chance was perhaps the right answer. I witnessed and realized that I could achieve my goals if I put my mind to them and fully immersed myself in the process. 

When my second year starts, I plan to fulfill and establish more goals as I strengthen my extracurricular experience. Moreover, I plan to engage more with my community by meeting more fellow students. 

Starting all over again is perhaps the best decision you can ever make. By starting over, you’ll give yourself more chances to showcase your skills and work towards other achievements. Even if it feels like the world is ending, you’ll be more than prepared to see what you can achieve and more than happy to see your own progression.

Featured image via Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels