Learning Experiences from My First Three Weeks of Sophomore Year (Learning Experiences Part 1)

Just three weeks in to my sophomore year, I have already learned so much and had many amazing experiences. It is crazy to think that just 21 days here at TCU has already provided a massive amount of opportunities for me to grow as an individual. I am so grateful to attend a school as amazing as TCU, where literally only a few days on campus cultivates my personal development.

This course, Literature and Civilizations II, has been nothing like I was expecting it. I took Literature and Civilizations I last semester as my honors class, so I was imagining this class to be set up somewhat like a book club, which was how Literature and Civilizations I was structured. However, ever since attending class on the first day, I realized my preconceived notions were far from correct. Within just these first 6 classes, I have learned a lot without having the intense pressure of tests and due dates looming over my head. Also, I am especially enjoying the focus on humor. Before this class, comedy was never a topic I thought deeply about, but learning about the different theories of humor and why we laugh is very interesting. It makes a lot of sense and I am finding myself applying it to my life outside of class. For instance, my friends and I were watching the movie, The Proposal, together one night and we started laughing when the fluffy, white dog, Kevin, was scooped up by the eagle. I thought later that the reason why we were laughing was because of the incongruity theory of humor since the eagle taking the dog was an unexpected outcome given the situation. As nerdy as it sounds, I thought it was awesome I was able to tie what I had been learning in class into real life.

My first three weeks of classes in my other courses have been an adjustment transitioning from freshman to sophomore year. Beginning this year, I just transferred into the business school, so it has been different adjusting to my business classes since I had not been able to take any beforehand. Also, now being a double major in accounting and economics is already starting to be a lot of work. I am learning how to manage my time more efficiently and handle the workload. However, on the positive side, I am taking classes that I enjoy and am excited to learn about because it is what I will be doing with my career. It is exciting to be learning material that I will be using for not only the next four years in college, but for the rest of my professional career.

Within the realms of my academics so far this year, I have already learned so much and have transferred these skills in my day-to-day life. However, not only have I had learning experiences in the academic spectrum, but outside of class as well. I was tested the very first week of classes with a family emergency. It was stressful to deal with, but it has taught me a lot about myself and those around me. I learned how to become a more compassionate person and be there for others; not that I was not before, but I often find that I encompass myself in my school work and make little time to be a solid support system. However, during this time, I had no choice but to take a step away from school and extracurricular activities and just be there for my family. Although it has been hard, this situation has taught me to look at the big picture and appreciate the importance of my loved ones.

These first three weeks of classes have been a whirlwind, to say the least. The days flew by and were mixed with a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but I would not take a single second of it back. Even though they have been crazy, I am excited for what sophomore year has in store for me and hope it does not fly by as rapidly as these first three weeks did.