How I’ve Grown and What I’ve Learned

               Wow my first semester of college is coming to a close soon. Iowa State has been a great adventure so far and I’ve learned a lot to help me grow. I’ve learned the simple things around campus to life lessons.  It is fun to look back a year from now and see how much has change.

                One of the biggest changes and growing experiences is being independent. Everything is up to me now so responsibility is even bigger. I have to make sure I get up in the morning to get to class on time, staying healthy, and making decisions. With this experience I have become better at making decisions.

                One major thing that I’ve learn better is time management. There is so much to do from clubs, to going to class, to studying, to work, and of course sleeping. Also studying is a bigger issue in college. Procrastinating hurts more and that’s where time management plays a big role.

                After my first semester of college I still can stay that I have stayed with my faith. There’s a statistic that about 80% of people after going to college fall out of their faith. I’m so glad I’m not in that huge percent! In fact my faith is getting stronger as the weeks go by. Currently I’m in the Navigators and attend a local church in Ames. I’m proud that I’ve already learn how important my faith is in the past and that it keeps growing.

                Something I’ve learned is that you can learn a lot more from others than I thought. My roommate Abby is from Wyoming and she brings up random facts that I never heard of before. For example, one time she mentioned that her paper was wrinkled and went off about the humidity and stuff. I never thought of the curling of paper and wrinkles showing that it’s more humid. It makes sense I just wouldn’t think about it because I grew up as that being normal in Iowa unlike in Wyoming. Of course we learn from professors but we also learn and grow through peers.

                Honestly I’ve learned a lot at Iowa State. Some random things are don’t wear free clothes/lanyards, don’t use a map (use your phone), don’t eat everything (junk food) you want every day (yes it’s already paid for but it’s unhealthy), professors aren’t scary they want to help, watch for cars even if you have the go light to walk (you may get run over), and read the syllabi. Learning and growing is part of the college experience. After college is done I can’t wait to see the person I have become!

What does the Hixson award mean to me?

 

What does the Hixson award mean to me? That is a very good question, and sometimes hard to explain. It means a lot to me. In general, this award means opportunity. The opportunity to pay off college faster. The opportunity to meet new friends. The opportunity to make new social networks and meet others. The opportunity to grow as a person, personality wise and education wise. This award means opportunity because without it I wouldn't have these amazing opportunities that I do now.

            One of the best things about the Hixson award is the amount of money given. It’s half tuition for four years! That means two years of my college career are already paid for, wow. I’m the youngest of four kids and now these days college is almost a must. Therefore my parents had to help them and this scholarship makes it possible that we don’t have to worry about the debt after college as much. What an amazing feeling to have.

            Also this award gives support, more than financial support. The leaders, peers, and guest speakers all care and give advice. Through this I have made friends that I mostly likely wouldn’t have met since Iowa State is such a big school. Although with the scholarship money tutors, printing, the computer lab, and more are available for free. This award supports us in so many ways.

            Last but not least I get to say I’m one of the lucky ones to get this award! The funny story is I actually received this award on April 13^th 2012…which happened to be Friday the 13^th haha.