You Can if You Say, “I can”

Hello guys!

Two more weeks to go before the end of this Fall semester and I can feel the pressure coming you guys. I am sure that all of you already have so many assignments to get done as well as tests to study for. So I wish you guys the best of luck!

Even though we all are taking different classes and living very different lives, we must support each until the end. This is why as we approach these last two stressful weeks, we must keep in mind that we are not alone in this. We will come across people who are constantly mad and tired throughout the week, and that’s ok. We cannot let that bring us down though because that can impact the way you perform in class and during your exams. This semester I learned a few things about myself and about the courses I’ve taken at MC, so I thought I’d share them with you!

1. Being a Biological Sciences Major is no joke: I’m sure that all the majors offered at MC are challenging, but I wanted to talk about my personal experience. I have taken many science courses that consisted of labs which made the class time even longer. You must learn how to manage your time wisely because eating and simply resting during your breaks can be often taken for granted. I remember spending more time eating lunch during my first year at MC, but this semester I’ve had to change that. Now I think ahead about how long it will take me to get to the microwave in the cafeteria, heat up my food, walk back to the building where I have class, and finally eat at a safe pace. It didn’t seem as important then, but now it is one of my main priorities.
2. Challenging courses: At first, I used to think, “Well, will I need this material learned in class in my future career?” While the answer was often a no, I learned that the time I spent studying and researching were a few of the many things that will make me successful in dental school. You learn how to really study and manage your time while you’re taking your undergraduate courses, so I am happy to say that all of the classes I have taken as well as those I am currently taking at MC are all worth it.
3. Adulting: I have faced various challenges this semester that took place outside of school. Helping my father buy a home has honestly been a very exciting and scary experience. I’ve had to talk to a bank loan officer as well as a realtor since May of this year. I’ve had to set up appointments, research, learn new terms, ask questions, etc. while at the same time keep up with summer school and this fall semester. The stress level I dealt with was unbelievable. I got angry, anxious, frustrated, happy, sad, hopeless and so much more; it was honestly a roller coaster of emotions. Even though I was dealing with these things at home, I learned that I’m able to face anything life has to throw my way. I am so grateful for this experience because I have learned so much about purchasing a home that I think I can buy my own if I had the money lol. My vocabulary has expanded with terms like EMD, contingencies, underwriter, settlement, real state agent, broker, appraiser, appraisal, amortization, closing costs, and the list goes on and on. Even though this was a challenging phase in my life; I will never forget about it and will forever be thankful for it.
4. School can be fun: I know, I know, what am I saying, right? Well, let me tell you that learning can be so rewarding if you make the best of it. Find that part of the class you look forward to. It may be an activity, your friends, or the material learned in class. And if there’s nothing you can find, just remember that the semester is only a couple of months long! Either way, enjoying your time in class is so important to me because you must enjoy college somehow; especially if you have several years to go. Have fun, learn, and live.  Oh yeah, and don’t forget to smile once in a while. 🙂

You are capable of doing so much with your life, so invest your time wisely and you’ll see the rewards with time!

My most sincere wishes Raptors, I believe in you and me so let’s end this semester strong!

~Meredith