Habits are hard to break. Almost half of our daily actions are patterns- pure habit, completed repeatedly and without thought. Going into my first year at the University of Cincinnati, I was confident in my positive habits. I was sure of my ability to handle whatever this school year threw at me (bring it on, college!). However, throughout the first semester, I found myself falling into old, unproductive habits. My journey this year has been all about breaking out of the repetitive loop of meaningless action and pushing myself to act intentionally.

      Forming meaningful relationships is one of the most vital components of succeeding in college (or in any environment, really). I quickly learned that my shy and insecure habits were holding me back from fully experiencing meaningful relationships with my peers and mentors. For my first couple months on campus, I had a hard time introducing myself to new people, making friends, and even scheduling meetings with professors and advisors. I soon realized that changing this bad habit was going to require focus and effort. At first, making this effort to relate with others was extremely uncomfortable. I had several awkward conversations with professors where I walked away cringing. I stuttered when talking to new people and feared the judgement of others far too often. However, making this decision to deliberately break out of my comfort zone was extremely rewarding. By making the effort to talk with a professor, I found an inspirational mentor. After reaching out to my peer leader, I found a role model and friend for life. I even had a successful interview and was invited to join the Kolodzik Business Scholars program as a transition student. Putting myself out there, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel, always pays off. 

      Another considerable change I made this year was switching my major. I entered college in the Medical Sciences program confident that I would join the healthcare field after graduation. My first semester, I fell into the habit of “going through the motions”- completing labs, assignments, and essays mechanically, without deeply thinking about or enjoying the material I was learning. My UHP advisor at the time, Mandy, helped me realize that I needed to try something new. The truth was that I simply wasn’t enjoying the methodical scientific material as much as I anticipated. I took a leap of faith and transferred into the Exploratory Studies major so I could have the freedom to try different classes. In the Lindner College of Business, I found concepts and material I truly cared about. My Business Law class especially convinced me that a major in business was the right fit for me. Now, I am a Business Economics major, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice to advocate for myself instead of continuing to “go through the motions”. 

      Now, I am looking forward to the future. The lessons I’ve learned about effectively changing my bad habits will stick with me throughout my time at UC. Next year, my main goal is to improve my care and concern for others. Even though this year I engaged in service, I hope to more deliberately use my gifts and talents to serve my community in a meaningful way. I look forward to participating in the Women in Leadership and Learning program to learn from a group of inspirational women and help serve gender minorities in our community. I also look forward to developing my affinity for writing by taking Honors Intermediate English in the fall. I’m sure these two honors experiences will contribute to my overall growth in character. So far, my experience in the University Honors Program has been reminiscent of one of UC’s Latin mottos- “alta petit”, roughly meaning “she seeks the highest”. I have already grown leaps and bounds in my first year, and I will undoubtedly seek to fly even higher.