Effortful Learning: Academically Challenging Classes
Math 126: Calculus III
(Autumn 2012) Although this math course is not the hardest class I have ever taken in terms of material, it may be the one which has challenged me the most. Coming in unwittingly unprepared for Calculus III, I initially let myself be overwhelmed by the rigorous work load to the point where it was unlikely that I would catch up. A variety of unfamiliar aspects contributed to my struggle: a new professor, whose style of teaching I had little time to accustom myself to, a class of hundreds of students, the fast-paced schedule, and the weight of test scores. In hindsight, I learned something about failure, self-confidence, will power, and persistance. School was always the thing that I had been best at, and never having struggled in a class before, I was unsure how to face such a struggle. There were many instances where I thought it might be easier just to give up, but in time I realized that I would have to change my own strategy and approach. I went to an advisor and set up a time to meet with a tutor. Although I didn’t need an explanation of the material, having a tutor gave me the opportunity to talk through details that I was mulling over. Most importantly, Orlala offered me invaluable advice—strategies and tips--and a new point of view in approaching the classes and environment of college. At the end of the quarter, I had managed to bring up my grade with a 90% on the final, but still barely managed a 2.0, which was a bitter disappointment to swallow for a student with a 4.0 coming out of high school. It also brought my GPA below the 3.3 required for the Honors program, a consequence that further instilled a sense of self-doubt which I worried would affect my future quarters. The biggest lesson/boon which I took from this experience, then, was the realization that setbacks do not signify complete failure unless I give up completely. My first recovery surfaced in that my persistance paid off and I managed to pass Math 126, even with just a 2.0. After winter quarter, my continued self-confidence and strength of will allowed me to recover further, raising my GPA above 3.3. I may have considered my experience a set-back/failure, but I was able to learn from it and strengthen my own resolve and will power as a result.
What I learned actually had to do more with what is important to me than it did with the class material (and how to learn): my health and happiness and not to punish myself when I'm struggling by taking away those things. I also learned to be okay asking for help, which is something I'm now remarkably better at but still struggle with nonetheless. |
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Chemistry 155: Honors General Chemistry
(Winter 2013) This second quarter of Honors general chemistry was easily the most difficult and rigorous class I've taken at UW. The time and energy that I invested paid off. The theme that the effort I put in is incredibly important has resurfaced throughout my time at UW, both in classes and in the communities and extracurricular experiences I've been a part of.
This was the most demanding and mentally challenging course I’ve ever taken. A lot was asked, and our professor definitely expected all of us to do our best, and knew that we could do it. His tests stretched us to the ends of our limits—both in terms of the intellectual challenge and the time and effort required to complete them. |
Honors Organic Chemistry
(Autumn 2013-Spring 2014)
(Autumn 2013-Spring 2014)