Francesca Raimondi

Professor Pszotka

Card 103 2

26 November 2023

Fall Recap

The last three months of my Fall semester have been better than I expected. Even though

I had a very stressful time trying to schedule my classes for not only the Fall but for Spring

throughout the first semester, everything fell into place once I asked for help. I realize that after

speaking to my counselor and other academic advisors, I became less worried about making sure

I have enough credits to graduate on time.

Coming into North Central as a transfer student, I had no effective habits or a set routine

for my school schedule. It was only after my first year that made me realize that my bad habits of

procrastinating and not managing my time correctly nipped me in the butt later on. These bad

habits just got worse for me as they transferred to my work and personal life. However, I acted

on this issue as habits grew worse. I started to use a daily/ weekly planner, met with academic
advisors, and set reminders for myself so that I wouldn’t feed into these habits even more. After

implementing these new behaviors, I began to experience less stress and more enjoyment with a

calmer mind throughout my weeks.

I have started to find more things that helped my academic performance and well being. I

got myself a gym membership at LA Fitness and have been going at least two times a week. I

noticed improvement with my mental and physical health. I started to think more clearly, not

overthink, increasingly motivated to do work and now feel more energetic. This new habit also

got me to learn more about my own capabilities. I enjoy challenging myself to learn new

workout tools and to increase my endurance performance times.

For next semester, I plan on fixing my lack of time management. This has always been a

very difficult subject for me to improve on for years now, however, it is a behavior that I know

can be changed. To be effective in improving my time management, I will invest in a calendar to

put in my room and set habits to create reminders on my phone. With a calendar I will be able to

see it on my wall everyday and be reminded where and when I will need to be for the months.

Also, as I spend so much time on my phone, which adds to my lack of time management, with

being able to see notification reminders or alarms it will help me to be on time.

My favorite experience this fall semester has been getting a new job. I have always had a

great passion for clothes and fashion so I applied to Aerie located in Downtown Naperville. It

has been a great experience meeting co-workers and is extremely rewarding receiving money

every two weeks. It has also helped me do more busy work in my free time. Whenever I feel

bored or am lacking productiveness within the week, I get to pick up and add shifts to my

schedule.