A first semester recap

The first week back is rather odd for year one students as the same feelings associated with the first semester are no longer here. We go through the same motions of finding our classes, meeting new people and professors, being waitlisted; however, the anxiety, nervousness and daunting nature of these tasks, are gone.

For me, this provides an interesting perspective on getting back into a university routine. I can approach this semester in a more methodical nature, observe more things and, ultimately, forgive and improve on the mistakes I made during my first trip out. This is what I encourage other first year students, returning for a second semester, to do.

Take notice on how differently you approach the first two weeks of school. If you are more composed, congratulate yourself on being able to recognize that growth in your confidence – a tool that can be applied when confronting the unknown.

These 2 weeks allow us to step back, hone our university skills and reflect on all the actions that have brought us to this moment. And it is important to ask the question, ‘are you happy and content with this moment?’ If not, use these 2 weeks to change that – the University of Victoria has a lot of resources to accomplish this.

After taking a semester of science I missed the arts and being creative, so I took it upon myself to enroll in a fine arts class, something to break up the analytical thinking of a science program. Explore the electives, the clubs and the intramurals. Explore the culture and lifestyle of the island beyond the university. As first year students, often we put on blinders and keep our heads down, following what we have been told. Please do not do that. Take the initiative to explore.

University is a journey of self-discovery. It is pointless having a degree if, at the end of it all, you still feel lost and without direction. Take electives that interest you, utilize what Victoria has to offer and begin to construct your own journey.