Assignment 14A- Halfway Reflection

1) There are many behaviors that I have used and/or developed to keep up with the requirements of this course. One strategy that I have used this semester is to not get behind in watching the lecture videos. I set aside at least one day of the week to simply watch the online lectures. Due to this class being online, one can easily fall behind with the online lectures. Also, there is roughly about 4 hours of video lectures per week. This may not seem like a lot, but when one is sitting down watching consecutive lectures, 4 hours can be a long time. Therefore, I like to begin watching the lectures early in the morning and spread them out throughout the entire day so that I'm not sitting in a chair watching 4 consecutive hours of lectures. This can be an exhausting process. Another behavior that I have used throughout this semester is to look over the upcoming assignments about one week in advance. Some of the assignments require more time and effort than others, so it can be helpful if one has a general idea of how much time will be needed to complete the assignments. Also, many of the assignments for this course require you to do work in the real world instead of simply writing down answers. Therefore, if one is aware that they have to do this, it can be a much easier task if one has additional time to do it. Also, I take notes when I am watching the lectures instead of simply just watching them. Many times, the lectures will include information or details on how to do the upcoming assignments, this can be very beneficial when one is doing the assignment. Also, taking notes on the lecture will make the weekly quizzes much easier to do.

2) During the moments when I've felt like giving up, I simply like to step away from what I am doing and rest my mind. The daily stress and requirements that come with being a college student can really wear you out and cause a great amount of stress. During moments like these, I simply ask myself "what good will it do me if I do not do what I am supposed to do or should do". For example, it will not benefit me if I decide to not do an assignment or not study for an exam. This will only make it harder for me at the end of the semester. Also, there is a good chance that I will end up regretting the decision I made if I decided not to do something simply because I was feeling down. There are always moments in life where we are just not into it and don't feel like doing anything, however, we have to find a way to persevere and get through the situation. It is not going to be easy, but it is not impossible either. Yes, I do feel like I have developed a tenacious attitude throughout this semester.

3) One tip that I would offer is to give your best effort in everything you do. If one knows that they tried their hardest and gave it all they had, it can be easier to overcome a tough situation. It will make it easier to sleep at night if you know you tried your hardest, but things just didn't go your way this time. Another tip I would offer is to think about the long-term investments of your current actions. Many times, we don't want to do things today because their isn't an immediate payoff or an immediate reward. However, many of the things you do in college are setting you up for success in the future. This is a hard concept to buy into, but if one is able to buy into it, it will make it much easier to perform actions that you may not feel like doing. Lastly, I would tell the students to challenge themselves. One of the hardest things to do in college and life in general is to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. It can be so easy to get used to doing the same thing everyday and going through the motions. However, I believe that it is essential to have new experiences and challenge yourself in various situations. This can lead to growth and opportunities that you never knew existed.