Halfway Reflection - 14A

To any future UF students, or ENT 3003 students...

1) Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

This fall semester has been my first semester at UF. Before I started this semester, I didn’t know what to expect, everyone warned me how difficult UF was and how it was so different from a community college. This helped me take my courses more seriously and I am almost paranoid with my assignments. I got a wall calendar for my door and I write all my assignment due dates on it. I also have them on my phone with reminder alerts. I constantly check Canvas and I start my assignments off pretty early in the week to give me a head start.

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

This class thankfully has not been as difficult as other classes I’m taking at the moment. Being as this is my first semester though, I can sometimes feel overwhelmed that I still have 2 more years of classes before I finish. I sometimes want to just “give up” but I remember that I have worked hard and these 2 years will go by faster than ever.  I think I have definitely developed a tenacious attitude in these past 2 months. I really have felt this when I start an assignment not really understanding and instead of stopping, I look to others in the class for insight, then I pull through and make sure my assignments are done on time. I really feel great when it’s a Friday night and instead of sitting in front of my computer stressed and racing the clock trying to finish an assignment, I get to relax or either go out. It really is a good feeling.

3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset'?

If you are an online student and you are unsure about one of the assignments, watch the video lectures! Seriously, sometimes I will have a question about an assignment and think about emailing the TA but instead I remember to just watch the weeks lecture videos.

Don’t allow the assignments to pile up right before the due dates. It will get difficult with the limited amount of time and the quality of your posts will go down since you’re rushed. Honestly, procrastinating has always given me some form of anxiety because I get so stressed. Getting a head start helps me have a clear mind allows me to focus on so much more.

Last download the Canvas app on your phone. Seriously, you will get notifications of announcements, assignment due dates, grades, messages and more. It has helped so much when I am away from my computer and want to check on my classes. This and adding your due dates to your calendar on your phone will help so much so you never miss a deadline.