It's always super cliche to say that time flies, but I guess it really does when you're having fun. Past Sunday marked the end of my sophomore year as I submitted my last essay for an International Studies class. And just in case you want to know, only 731 days left until my graduation! Mark your calendars everybody: May 18th, 2019 :) Looking back on the past two years, I've learned so much more about myself and my relationships with others. I had a chance to come to terms with my upbringing and its effects on my personality as well as influence on my thinking; my fear of failure shows academically or even in any mundane context. As an extroverted introvert, I realized my strengths and weaknesses when interacting with people- great in small doses, but energy draining when I'm forced to socialize for long periods of time. I'm extremely thankful for the professors that pushed me to write better, be assertive in my abilities, and speak up more during class discussions. In academic settings, I always feel like the "other" and I hesitate to speak up most of the time in class. At times, it's because I'm part of the minority at Macalester: Asian American, immigrant, first generation college student, Southerner. However, I recently came to the conclusion that my inner fear of failure also contributes to my timidness in class. Even though I read or know as much information as the next student, I hesitate to speak up because I worry I might analyze the information incorrectly or I hold an unpopular opinion. Now, I'm slowly learning to speak up and participate in class - even if I'm unsure of myself and am thinking as I speak aloud. The worst that can happen is disagreement or an incorrect answer; I will not be judged as a person based on my wrong answer once in an hourlong class...
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about mecollege student. junior. international studies major. over-the-top foodie. archives
February 2018
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