Looking Back

What are some of the things you learned about yourself as a student or a professional in Module I? Did you surprise yourself in any way? Were you proud of yourself? Were you at all disappointed in yourself? Why?

During my first seven weeks at Year Up I learned so much about myself as a student. I have never applied myself in school before. I have always been told I have so much potential and if I were to apply myself I would be a top student. Coming into Year Up my attitude was entirely different. I wanted to be a top student, I just wasn't sure if I could. I was so surprised at myself when I would find myself staying up late working on homework assignments, or getting frustrated with myself if I felt like I wasn't reaching my level of potential. I remember having a conversation with my mom one night; I told her that I'm now the student that doesn’t want to just scrape by with a D. I told her I wouldn't even be happy with a B and I'm shooting for A's. I tried to keep this attitude every day and it paid off. I turned in all of my assignments, with only one or two late. I studied for my quizzes, midterm, and final until I felt comfortable with the material, and I made sure that I participated in class and stayed on top of my work. It's a really great feeling to know that I've actually managed to apply myself and see the results pay off. I was very proud of myself for being able to have such a positive attitude and actually maintain it. There were moments that I was disappointed in myself and that was due to being late, absent, or turning in an assignment late. I received a lot of infractions for these things which made me feel pretty terrible. I allowed my outside life to interfere with my school life and was either late or absent due to these factors. I know I can do better for module two as far as making sure I am here, and on time every day. Overall my experience so far has been great, I am making goals for myself and keeping them. I'm breaking bad habits that have had a negative impact on my life thus far, and creating new habits that will help me continue to be successful.