Summer school is finally over. I learned a lot in class and about myself. It’s going to make me a better person.
I messed up my finance final. I felt confident and prepared the day of the final. Life had other plans. I thought I’ll earn a low grade on my marketing final because I didn’t get to study as well as I wanted to but I was standing tall when I was done. Funny how life is.
I discovered this morning that I’m very much a morning person who needs a shot of sun to wake up. My room faces east and I get the morning sun. I went to bed at 1a this morning but I still woke up fresh at 5:30a. Productivity stayed high until 2p. I need to use this to my advantage when I go back to school. The morning has less distractions from people, society, and media. I was able to focus on my marketing homework. I’m going to make a habit of waking up early and go running, do some personal growth stuff, and head out to work. I know that I can get straight ‘A’s I studied in the morning.
Studying hard was a reoccurring theme this summer. My fellow classmates were taking two or three classes and doing an internship. I was barely taking in the knowledge of two classes and an abbreviated work schedule. I have to learn how to study smart, efficiently, and quickly. It’s going to take some learning and perfect practice. I plan on getting some books on the subject so I can learn new skills and put them into action. I’d get so much more done in less time if I can study hard and smart.
After listening to the elevator speeches in class, I discovered that each of us has a talent, dream, and idea that we can share. We can help each other reach our goals and live our passions. With that in mind, I should have networked with my classmates so we can help each other. I need to learn how to network and keep those networks strong.
Life throws us curves and we need to learn how to swerve. We need to give ourselves as many opportunities to exit those curves safely. I didn’t provide that sort of buffer in either of my classes. I could have done more extra credit work in my marketing class so I didn’t have to worry about the final. I should have parked my car on the street instead of the driveway so I can come and go as I please. I have to give myself more time for any unexpected events during a commute. I have to build a moat of safety.
I really enjoyed my experience at University of Illinois at Chicago. If the summer school classes are any indication of the regular school year, it will be a great fit. I’ve decided to work full time this semester so I can build that moat of safety, improve my study skills, and position myself in they right way to take advantage of any opportunities and manage threats that become roadblocks, brick walls, and speed bumps. Once I’ve prepared for a successful journey, I’ll be back in school.
