For some reason, it took me a while to figure out what I have actually learned since the beginning of the semester. Sure, I could talk about how in chemistry I learned how and why geckos are able to easily walk upside-down on surfaces or in biology where I learned that there are varying degrees of lactose intolerance. But I wanted to go to a deeper level, and share what I learned from various personal experiences, not what a hundred other students learned in a class with me. That’s what took a while, because for the past three months, I feel like I haven’t really had any “experiences.”
If we took a trip down memory lane to when we were back at UD, I could say that I learned how to study. I know it seems like a boring or non-interesting thing, but it’s really the first thing I thought of. Last semester, I had horrible study habits, and it reflected in my grades. This semester, I figured out that the library is actually really useful when you need to get homework or studying done between classes. I know that most people will probably read this and think “Uh, yeah. Duh,” but trust me, there was a major improvement in my grades this semester compared to last semester.
The second thing that came to mind was that I learned how to just step away from a situation if it was too much to handle. Both inside and outside of the classroom, I found that I had learned that it’s better for my own mental health to take a step back from whatever stressful situation I was in, take a small break, and then come back when I had cleared my head. Too often I get caught up being flustered and frustrated (usually with school work) and it leads to a small disaster every time. Now, I’ve been taking a break when needed, and it helps me tremendously in the end.
Lastly, because of our pandemic problem, I have learned to appreciate what I have. I took my freedom for granted, and I can honestly say that I will never complain about having to go somewhere ever again. Now, an hour walk on some nearby trails a few times a week with my aunt and her dogs is really what gets me through each week. Before, I would have complained about leaving my bed and not being able to watch Netflix, but now, I would much rather go for a walk than watch an episode of some show.
As this is our last post, I just wanted to say that this class was truly one of my favorites, as it didn’t really seem like a class for the most part. When we were together, it just felt like we came together as a group to just talk about life and how we’ve all been living in it. I loved getting to know all of you on a more personal level, and I hope to see everyone around campus in the fall! Hope you all stay happy and healthy!
-Kelsey McNamara
English 110 Honors Spring 2020 
This was such a nice read! I can relate to learning how to study in college due to the fact that I rarely had to in high school. I also understand what it is like getting frustrate with work, as I get myself worked up over small assignments. Taking small breaks and collecting oneself is a great way to combat this, and it is something that I definitely need to do more often. Lastly, I really enjoyed your last paragraph. You always had something interesting to say in our class discussions and I really enjoyed my time being in small groups with you. Stay safe!
Sarina Simpson
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Whoa! Howdy, Cowgirl.
That’s so cool that you can ride a horse, I’m jealous.
“I learned how to study”
I love that. I recently learned how to do this as well. It is most definitely 100% a skill that is learned. Studying effectively essentially allows you to spend less time studying while getting more out the time you put in. I am ecstatic to hear that you’ve improved on that skill! Furthermore, the library is a WONDERFUL place to study. A couple studies show that studying somewhere designated solely for studying is actually most effective. One study done at U of Hawaii-Manoa demonstrated that students who used a “Study Lamp,” a light to be used only when studying, had on average a 1 point higher grade point average (not that GPA is really that important). So, I think you’re on to something when it comes to the library 🙂
“step away”
You know, there is something commonly said on airplanes, and it goes like this:
“Please make sure to secure your oxygen mask first before helping others with theirs.”
It took me 18 years to figure the idea behind this statement out. Hell, I still struggle with it. The idea here is that in order to help others (or diffuse a tough situation) you need to first help yourself first. You can only be most effective when you feel the best. I am very happy that you have learned this. It will serve you well.
“As this is our last post, I just wanted to say that this class was truly one of my favorites”
Same here, Kelsey. A truly unique class. Thank you for being a part of it. You are an incredibly smart and kind girl who has an amazing future ahead of her. I really mean it. Keep up the great work 🙂
I hope to see you around,
BEST WISHES MY FRIEND,
Neil
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“First of all, I just love the picture! The clouds, the sky, and the perspective from the back of a horse makes the picture so much better. I found how you “… learned how to just step away from a situation if it was too much to handle.” really amazing. I think we’ve just gotten so used to being told to persevere to get through everything that we’ve forgotten that it’s not bad if we choose to stop or take a break when we believe that we can’t handle something anymore. I also have enjoyed the time we’ve spent as a class together and I hope you have a wonderful summer! 🙂 ” -Ciana Gadut
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